Hofstede Dimensions of Culture
Culture’s influence on intercultural communications is far
from a new subject amongst theoreticians, and there has been a lot of theories
created on the subject, including various ways to measure and compare the
cultural parameters
Individualism versus Collectivism –
It is by far the most important dimension used to explain
cultural differences on a societal level, and it’s also the dimension, which is
most clearly seen on an individual level amongst a culture’s members.
USA is the highest scoring country amongst all measured
countries. Why?
JAPAN scores a lower in this dimension on Hofstede’s index
scores. Why?
Power Distance –
Power Distance describes the extent to which an individual
in a culture is willing to accept inequality in the division of power in the
society of the culture.
USA: The United States ranks 38th compared to the other
countries measured. Why?
JAPAN ranks 33 on Hofstede’s index, and so scores higher
than the United States. Why?
Masculinity versus Femininity
It relates to how a culture views the roles of the two
genders, and which of the genders’ values are predominant in a culture.
USA: the United States a 15th rank. Why?
Japan: Not only do they score a high 95 on Hofstede’s index,
but they place 1st out of all countries included. Why?
