Analysis of Hofsted variables

1. What is Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory？

A theory founded in 1980 by Gert Hofsted argues that the causes of cultural differences among countries depend in part on the importance attached to certain values.Then, by studying certain cultures and analyzing the relationship between these six dimensions, he created six "dimensions" that can be compared with each other.Each dimension is evaluated with a corresponding "score", but the score is not an absolute criterion for determining the value.High or low scores do not represent advantages or disadvantages.For example, each country can communicate in one language to show that scores do not represent good or bad.Evaluation of each dimension confirms whether the culture is high-context or low-context.

High-context culture refers to information transmission that depends on factors such as body language, language background, non-verbal expression.The countries that often use high-context culture are Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan.

Low context culture means that information can be conveyed more directly and clearly, and information can be conveyed quickly using language itself.When using low-context culture, people can understand the meaning of information through language without linking body language with information background.Countries that use low-context culture are generally Western countries, such as the United States, Britain, Germany and other countries.

It is also important to understand the usage habits of each country's context, and if you are not familiar with the culture of the other country, you may misunderstand it.Each country has its own culture, so the score for a particular content is not the standard.

2. What are the six points of Hofsted's cultural dimension theory?

1) Individualism and Collectivism

Individualism refers to people with strong individualism characteristics, who are not affected by external factors and have their own attitudes.People in low-context cultures tend to think that individualism is more important, that their independent actions highlight individual achievements, and that they are reluctant to be constrained.The United States, for example, places particular emphasis on individualism and on achieving goals through its own efforts rather than through the help of others.

Collectivism is when people are more receptive to teamwork.People in high-context culture tend to pay more attention to group activities and feel more successful through teamwork.Also, we encourage people around us to participate in cooperation so that they can help each other and recognize each other.They demonstrate a rejection of independent action, which creates constant competition and does not emphasize collective objectives.Of course, the distinction between individualism and collectivism is also influenced by culture and cannot be fully reflected.China, for example, is a collectivist country.China's social values have always emphasized collective interests above collective interests. The Chinese tend to cooperate and cooperate among collectives, and individual interests are sacrificed for the sake of the whole.

2）Power Distance

The right distance means that people in some cultures pay less attention to traditions and rules than people in others.the degree to which people accept the unequal distribution of rights among the weaker members of an organization.In combination, power distance affects the relationship between the boss and the subordinate. The smaller the distance of power within the organization, the more equal the superior to the subordinate, and the more equal the way people get along with each other.The greater the power distance of an organization, the greater the preference for class structure.

In the United States, for example, people start by focusing on things and doing nothing else to introduce them.Because they think doing other things can affect productivity and waste time.Social status is closer between the upper and lower levels and is not discriminated against by status, educational background, gender, age, etc.

However, these processes are also indispensable for countries that value traditions and rules.For example, China attaches great importance to etiquette. The rules between superiors and subordinates will be stricter and people must respect them absolutely.Respectful language should be used for elders or superiors, and the number of etiquette should be in place.

3）Uncertainty Avoidance Index

In every country, people feel threatened by the unknown and have been trying to prevent bad things from happening.There are many ways to prevent this from happening, such as through more relevant provisions.People in different regions and countries have different prevention methods.In a society that eschews uncertainty, people maintain a high degree of tension and enterprise, so they have the urge to work hard.As China is a country with a high degree of avoidance of uncertainty, it is pushing for a policy of employee participation in management.The United States is a country that avoids uncertainty, and the model used by Chinese society may not apply to the United States.

4）Masculine Versus Feminality

Masculinity and femininity are the main values of society.When society is more masculine, it is arbitrary, milliliter masculinity that governs society.When a society is more feminine, it is the opposite of a more masculine society.China is a country with a high educational background for women. The emphasis of social governance lies in moral ethics and has a positive social spirit.The United States is a high-male country, and the main decisions on social governance are usually made by senior officials.

5）Long-Term Orientation Versus Short-Term Orientation

The long-term orientation is moral rather than truth, with a stronger emphasis on firm views.In a long-term culture, time is seen as an inexhaustible resource that relieves stress.The short-term orientation is based on traditional ethics and fulfills social responsibility according to rules.Such a culture would lead to greater awareness of available resources and a sense of economy.The concept of time is classified in different countries, regions and societies.In the United States, long-term is considered five years, while in China, long-term is considered as long as 50 years.

6）Indulgence and restraint

There is also a great difference between indulgent and restrained societies.An indulgent society will give people a freer spiritual world and entertainment.An indulgent society makes people who pursue personal happiness comfortable.A society of restraint needs to contain certain ideas.

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