Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions Examples

 Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory. Also, Definition and Examples of Geert Hofstede’s Six Cultural Dimensions.

Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

Hofstede’s cultural dimension was developed in 1980 by Dutch management scholar Geert Hofstede. It is also known as Hofstede’s model and theory. Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions refer to the conceptual framework identifying cultural differences worldwide.  It systematically compares the nations based on beliefs, values, behaviors, and attitudes. Hence, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory shows the effects of a society’s culture on the values of its members. It also uses a structure derived from factor analysis to show how these values relate to behavior.

Initially, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory has only four dimensions: power distance index, individualism vs. collectivism, masculine vs. feminine, and uncertainty avoidance index. In 1988, Michael Harris Bond added the 5th dimension, “Long-Term versus Short-Term Orientation,” to Hofestede’s model.  Similarly, in 2010, Michael Minkov described and added the 6th dimension, named indulgence vs. restraint, to Geert Hofstede’s theory. Therefore, it is also known as Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture that evaluates and represents cultural differences globally.

This model generates rank for each country through contained scores on a specific dimension. Each dimension of the Hofstede model differs from others for its unique factor analysis. Hence, it is one of the critical theories to understand the cultural differences prevalent across the country. Cultural difference creates cultural conflict, also known as the communication noise barrier.

Hofstede’s Six Cultural Dimensions

Geert Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions are Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism Vs. Collectivism, Masculinity Vs. Femininity, Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), Long Vs. Short-Term Orientation and Indulgence Vs. Restraint. This cultural dimensions theory is beneficial to understand and change the work attitude of the organization, group, team members, and so on. It also assists the negotiators in understanding the opposite party during international negotiations. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are a significant model of communication that contributes to international and cross-culture communication.

Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions are:

  1. Power Distance Index (PDI)
  2. Individualism Vs. Collectivism
  3. Masculinity Vs. Femininity
  4. Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)
  5. Long Vs. Short Term Orientation
  6. Indulgence Vs. Restraint
Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions- Geert Hofstede’s Six Cultural Dimensions Theory
Geert Hofstede’s Six Cultural Dimensions

1. Power Distance Index(PDI)

(Extent of Inequality and Power Distributed in Society)

The power distance index refers to the degree to which society members accept the distance of power and authority. It is a crucial element of Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions that assess the inequality (more versus less) among members of society. Additionally, it has a significant impact on international business negotiation. The power distance index differs into high power and low power distance index.

High Power Distance

The high power distance refers to a society where less powerful people easily accept the unequal power distribution in the community. It means the acceptance of the inequity between high- and low-status members of society. People with High PDI expect power to be distributed unequally, so they do not complain about inequality. It has become a tradition that they convey from generation to generation. They value traditional norms and social rules. Therefore, people in high power distance countries accept the inequity in organizations.

Examples of High Power Distance Countries

Bangladesh, China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Arab countries have very high power distance scores; therefore, these countries are examples of high PDI in 2023. For example, Bangladesh and China ranked high power distance countries with scores of 80. Additionally, India scores 77, and Singapore scores 74 in the power distance dimension. People from the following countries easily accept the inequalities between people with high and low power status. People in these countries do not complain; they admit it as a social order.

Hofstede country comparison website: www.hofstede-insights.com. Anyone can compare the country’s culture through the following link.

Example of High Power Distance Countries- High Power Distance Countries- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Low Power Distance

Low power distance refers to a culture where less powerful people do not accept unequal power distribution in society easily. It means the acceptance of equity and equality between high- and low-status members of society. The member of the community practices fairness and interdependence activities in society. People in a low PDI society are pragmatic; hence, they are less orientated to traditional values. They also complain about the subsisting inequity between high- and low-status members in communities and organizations.

Examples of Low Power Distance Countries

Austria, Israel, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom are examples of low power distance countries in 2023. According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, Austria has achieved the lowest PDI country with 11, following Israel with 13, Denmark with 18, New Zealand with 22, Norway with 31, Germany with 35, and the United Kingdom with 35. People from these countries do not accept the inequity between high and low-influential people in society, community, and organization. They also raise their voices against injustice and discrimination in society.

Example of Low Power Distance Index Countries in 2022- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

 

Differences Between High and Low Power Distance Culture
High Power Distance Culture
Low Power Distance Culture
People certainly accept unequal power distribution in society. In contrast, people complain about unequal power distribution.
Juniors respect seniors who are older than 50 in society. Senior and junior people respect each other equally.
Discrimination is prevalent in every sector of the country; for example, social, government, and non-government organizations. On the other hand, people raise their voices against discrimination.
The political leader and organizational boss are autocratic people. The political leader and organizational boss are democratic people.
For example, high power distance cultures exist in Bangladesh, China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Arab countries. For example, low power distance cultures exist in Austria, Israel, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

2. Individualism Vs. Collectivism

(Prefer To Work Independently or Interdependently)

Individualism and collectivism are the most significant cultural dimensions that separate the society where people prefer to work personally or interdependently. According to Hofstede’s model, a high score in the country indicates individualistic culture. On the other hand, the low score indicates collectivistic culture. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory encourages collectivistic culture, so the members of an individualistic society should understand that they are part of a larger group. Therefore, they should pay all-out efforts to achieve a shared goal. Tuckman’s communication model discusses how to work together in a group to achieve common goals.

Individualism

Individualism refers to the individualistic culture of society where people prefer to work separately and seek freedom in the workplace. Individualistic members like to work alone and seek credit for their work. In this culture, task prevails over relationships in the workplace. People in individualistic cultures do not want to work in groups, so they set independent goals and appreciate freedom. Thus, they are assertive, self-reliant, competitive, and value individual achievement.

Individualistic Countries Examples

Usually, individualist cultures are prevalent in western countries. For example, the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Ireland are individualistic countries. According to Hofstede’s Dimensions of National Culture, the  United States scores 91, following Australia with 90, the United Kingdom with 89, Canada with 80, the Netherlands with 80, New Zealand with 79, and Ireland with 70. Therefore, people from these countries prefer to work alone and foster independent achievement.

Individualistic Countries Examples

Collectivism

Collectivism refers to the collectivistic culture of society where people prefer to work together and foster interdependent achievement. Collectivist members like to work in groups and try to help each other. They like to work in groups instead of working alone. In this culture, relationship prevails over task in the business setting. They also highlight group identity and group success. Hence, they are cooperative, obedient, and self-sacrificing. The family member maintains strong relationships with members in collectivism. On the other hand, family members do not focus on maintaining strong relationships in an individualistic society.

Collectivistic Countries Examples

Collectivist cultures are common in Asian and Latin American countries. Guatemala, Ecuador,  Venezuela, Indonesia, Pakistan, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Bangladesh, and Malaysia are considered the most collectivistic nations globally. According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model, a low score in this dimension indicates a collectivistic society. For example, Guatemala has ranked the most collectivistic country in the world with a score of 06, following Ecuador with 08, Venezuela with 12, Indonesia with 14, Pakistan with 14, Taiwan with 17, South Korea with 18, China with 20, Bangladesh with 20, and Malaysia with 26. So, people from these countries prefer to work in groups and intend to achieve shared goals.

Collectivistic Countries Examples

Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Masculinity vs. Femininity

Differences Between Individualistic and Collectivistic Culture

Individualistic Culture
Collectivistic Culture
Firstly, People are intended to work alone. In contrast, people are intended to work in a group or team.
Additionally, people foster personal achievement. People foster group achievement.
In this culture, the member takes responsibility only for the immediate family, including the wife and children. On the other hand, in a collectivistic society, the member takes responsibility for the extended family, including parents and grandparents.
In the workplace, employees are supposed to focus on personal tasks, and they compete with each other for positions. In contrast, employees are supposed to share the workload.
Tasks control the relationship However, relationship prevails over tasks.
Government plays a small role in society. The government certainly plays the most critical role in society.
Above all, people are assertive, self-reliant, self-interest, competitive, and independent. Whereas People are obedient, self-sacrificing, cooperative, and interdependent.
I- Consciousness We- Consciousness
For example, individualistic cultures are prevalent in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Ireland are For example, collectivistic cultures are prevalent in Guatemala, Ecuador,  Venezuela, Indonesia, Pakistan, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.

3. Masculinity Vs. Femininity

(Assertiveness and Nurture Society)

Masculinity versus femininity is another dimension of Hofstede’s theory that differentiates society based on gender roles and traits. The high score of the dimension refers to the masculine culture driven by competition and material success. On the other hand, the low score indicates a feminine society driven by the quality of life.

In business circumstances, masculinity versus femininity refers to as “tough versus tender” cultures.

Masculinity

Masculinity pertains to traits associated with assertiveness culture in society. According to Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, men focus on personal tasks and material success in masculine culture. The role of men and women overlap less than in feminine society. The men are more assertive, decisive, dominant, and focused on success. On the other hand, women are more humble, loving, and focused on quality of life. In this society, men concentrate on assertiveness, heroism, and performance. The men of these societies are more competitive than feminine societies. Children in China learn the importance of personal achievement since childhood. So, they compete with each other for self-success.

In business settings, masculinity refers to the rough culture in the organization. The Boss does less discussion with employees to make- decisions.

Examples of Masculine Countries

Slovakia, Japan, Hungary, Austria, Venezuela, Italy, Mexico, and China are considered masculine countries for their high score in this dimension. For example, Slovakia scores 100, following Japan(95), Hungary(88), Austria (79), Venezuela (73), Italy 70, Mexico (69), and China (66). So, the gender role of these countries is specific and overlaps very little.

Examples of Masculine Countries and Culture in 2022- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Examples of Masculine Countries in the World (High Score)
Feminine

Femininity denotes traits associated with nurture culture in society. The members of feminine society focus on relationships and quality of life. They are nurtured, cooperative, modest, and caring to other members of society. They also maintain modest behavior in the community and organization.

In the business context, femininity refers to the tender culture in the organization. The Boss does great discussion and intuitive analysis to make decisions.

Examples of Feminine Countries

Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Costa Rica, and Finland are considered the most feminine countries globally for their low MAS score in this dimension. According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, Sweden ranked the most feminine country in the world with a score of 5, following Norway (8), Netherlands (14), Denmark (16), Costa Rica (21), and Finland (26). So, the gender role of these countries is fluid that overlaps significantly.

Examples of Most Feminine Countries in the world
Examples of Most Feminine Countries (Low Score)

4. Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)

(Extent of Comfort in Uncertain Situations)

The uncertainty avoidance index describes how people from different countries deal with ambiguous situations. It also identifies the people who are comfortable in uncertain moments and who are scared to encounter unwanted difficulties. According to Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, the uncertainty avoidance index differs into two categories: high uncertainty avoidance and low uncertainty avoidance index.

High Uncertainty Avoidance

People in high uncertainty avoidance societies thoroughly follow the rules and regulations to avoid undesirable moments. They prefer to follow routines and make plans to prevent unpredictable moments. They also believe proper planning is essential for achievement; hence, parents control their children’s lives excessively. People in high UAI-scoring countries are more traditionalistic, stiff, and structured. The structured person tends to do the right things and avoid unwanted consequences.

Examples of High Uncertainty Avoidance Countries

Greece, Guatemala, Russia, Portugal, Belgium, and Japan are the highly uncertain avoidance countries. According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, Greece has become the highest uncertainty avoidance country with a score of 100, following Guatemala (98), Russia (95), Portugal(95), Belgium(94), and Japan(92). So, people from these countries prefer to lead a planned life to avoid unwanted risks.

Examples of High Uncertainty Avoidance Countries- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Examples of High Uncertainty Avoidance Countries
Low Uncertainty Avoidance

People in low uncertainty avoidance societies are comfortable with undesirable moments. They mainly act first before garnering enough information. They are not intended to follow all rules and regulations thoroughly, so they work to reduce unnecessary rules from society and organizations. People in low UAI countries are relaxed and open-minded; therefore, they do not scare to encounter uncertainty and unpredictability.

Examples of Low Uncertainty Avoidance Countries

Singapore (8), Jamaica(13), Denmark(23) and Hongkong(29), Sweden (29), and also Malaysia 36 are examples of low uncertainty avoidance countries. People from these low UAI countries accept the risk easily and do not scare to encounter unwanted situations.

Examples of Low Uncertainty Avoidance Countries- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Low Uncertainty Avoidance Countries in the World

5. Long Vs. Short Term Orientation

(Pragmatic Versus Normative)

Long versus short-term orientation is a crucial dimension of the Geert Hofstede theory that categorizes society based on pragmatic and normative actions. Michael Harris Bond added this dimension in 1988. It assists to measures the tendency of long-term or short-term results. It also describes how people deal with the past, present, and future.

Long Term Orientation

People in long-term orientation are focused on the future and consider it more valuable than the past. They tend to spend huge time to achieve long-term results. The members of the long-term orientated society are practical, modest, and more careful. They also encourage others to utilize time and money properly to achieve the goal.

Examples of Long Term Orientation Countries

According to Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, South Korea(100), Taiwan(93), Japan (88), China(87), Germany(83), and Singapore(72) are the long-term orientation countries in the world. So, people from these countries set long-term goals and expect perseverance and satisfaction.

Long Term Orientation Countries Example in 2022- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Examples of Long Term Orientation Countries
Short Term Orientation

People in short-term orientation are focused on the past and the present, considering them more valuable than the future. They prefer to enjoy the current situation regardless of their future goal. The members in the short-term orientated society are spiritual, normative, and nationalistic.

Examples of Short-Term Orientation Countries

According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model, Ghana(4), Nigeria(13), Australia(21), United States(26), Philippines(27), and also Norway(35) are considered as the short-term oriented countries in the world. So, people from these countries set short-term goals and expect immediate satisfaction.

Examples of Long Term Orientation Countries- Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions- Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions Examples
Examples of Long Term Orientation Countries

6. Indulgence Vs. Restraint

Indulgent versus restraint stands for cultures that allow people to enjoy or suppress gratification. In the 21st century, Michael Minkov described the six dimensions and extended the Hofstede theory.

Indulgence

Indulgence refers to a society where many people acknowledge that they are leading a happy life. People in an indulgent society enjoy life freely; hence, they have fun and obtain optimistic attitudes. They prioritize having friends, playing games, and spending leisure time appropriately.

Examples of Indulgent Countries

According to Hofstede’s cultural model, the most indulgent countries in the world are Venezuela(100), Mexico(97), Puerto Rico(90), El Salvador(89), Nigeria(84), Colombia(83), Germany(83), Trinidad and Tobago(80), Sweden(78), Australia (71), Canada(68), Australia(68), and also Argentina(62).

Example of Indulgent and Restraint Countries in the world in 2022
Example of Indulgent and Restraint Countries in the world in 2023
Restraint

Restraint refers to a society where fewer people declare they are leading a happy life. People in a restrained community suppress gratification and do not focus on the freedom of speech. Additionally, they handle life according to traditional norms and have pessimistic attitudes.

Examples of Restraint Countries

According to Hofstede’s model, the restraint countries in the world are Pakistan(0), Egypt(4), Latvia(13), Ukraine(14), Albania(15), Belarus(15), Estonia(16), Iraq917), Russia(20), and also China(24).

Differences Between Indulgent and Restrained Societies
Differences between Indulgent and Restrained Societies
Indulgent Versus Restraint

The two additional dimensions of global cultural differences are high context versus low context and monochronic versus polychronic time. In 1976, Edward T. Hall introduced these cultural dimensions that distinguish one from another nation.

High Context Vs. Low Context

High context: Members consider background, interpersonal history, and nonverbal cues when communicating. Messages are implied and context-sensitive-for example, Japan, China, Greece, and Mexico.

Low Context: Low-context members want facts a clear, direct communication. Messages are explicit, factual, and objective—for example the US, England, and Germany.

 Monochronic Versus Polychronic

Monochronic: Monochronic members focus on one task at a time and work hard to meet deadlines. They also adhere to plans, schedules, and time because time is valuable. For example, people in North America and Northern Europe are mostly monochronic.

Polychronic: Polychronic members are continually late, do many things at once, are easily distracted, and endure interruptions. Additionally, they are not obsessed with schedules because time is not highly valued. For example, people in Kenya, Argentina, African America, and Asia are polychronic. The monochronic versus polychronic time is a chronemic nonverbal communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hofstede’s Dimensions of National Culture are Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism Vs. Collectivism, Masculinity vs. Femininity, Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), Long Vs. Short-Term Orientation and Indulgence Vs. Restraint. It is an important tool for a friendly environment in an international organization.

What is Culture?

Culture is a set of values, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, symbols, and norms people share in a society or community. The cultures vary from country to country and community to community. For example, Malaysian culture is not similar to Australian culture. Additionally, the culture of African Americans is not similar to White Americans.

Citation for this Article (APA 7th Edition)
Kobiruzzaman, M. M. (2024). Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions- Hofstede’s 6 Cultural Dimensions Examples. Newsmoor- Best Online Learning Platform. https://newsmoor.com/cultural-dimensions-hofstedes-cultural-dimensions-theory-with-six-dimension/

Listening Styles- People, Content, Action & Time Oriented Listening

Listening Styles. The 4 Listening Styles are People-oriented listening, Content-oriented listening, Action-oriented listening, and Time-oriented listening style.

Listening Styles

Listening is the active and intentional process of hearing something. In contrast, hearing is an unintentional method of perceiving sound. Scholars have identified four types of listening styles: People-oriented listening, Content-oriented listening, Action-oriented listening, and Time-oriented listening. Similarly, the four types of listeners are people-oriented, content-oriented, action-oriented, and time-oriented. The acronym PACT represents these four types of listening styles.

Listening Styles

The four listening styles are:
  1. People-oriented
  2. Content-oriented
  3. Action-oriented
  4. Time-oriented listening Style

Styles of Listening

1. People-Oriented Listening Style

In the people-oriented listening style, listeners focus on the feeling of others. They show their feeling and emotion to other people while communicating. People-oriented listeners pay more attention to the speaker than the information or message. Therefore, they are called people-oriented listeners. People-oriented listeners are intended to find the topic of common interest. They are susceptible to others’ emotions and feelings.

These kinds of listeners may also become distracted by others’ problems. They may engage in too many side conversations during meetings.

Example of the people-oriented listeners

For example, an audience is crying for listening to the tragic history of the speaker’s mother, who passed away. Here, the listener has also lost their mother, and they like to talk about the issue of the mother.

Strategies to Communicate with People-Oriented Listeners

Use inspirational examples and appeals; use “we” rather than “I” during communicating with people-oriented listeners.

Key Takeaways

People-oriented listeners focus and pay special attention to the speaker rather than the actual message delivered by the speaker.

2. Action-Oriented Listening Style

In the Action-oriented listening style, listeners look forward to the key point of the speech. They like to listen to the topic sentence and thesis statement of the speech rather than the details. Action-oriented listeners are active audiences, and they respond quickly when required. They give clear feedback concerning expectations. They also encourage others to be organized and concise while speaking to others. After all, they are not interested in the relational communication dimension.

Example of the Action-oriented listeners

A speaker is delivering his speech about the negative impact of social media. A listener asked the speaker if they would like to tell how to prevent the adverse effects of social media. He is an example of an action-oriented listener who finds the critical point of the speech.

Strategies to Communicate with Action-Oriented Listeners

Deliver your speech in an organized way—outline delivering the speech. Keep main points to three or fewer; speak at a rapid but controlled rate.

Key Takeaways

Action-oriented listeners pay particular attention to the critical points of the speech.

3. Content-Oriented Listening Style

In the content-oriented listening style, listeners evaluate the fact and evidence distributed by the speaker. They like statistical reports, examples, advantages, disadvantages, and challenging information. They pay more attention to technical details rather than general information. Content-oriented listeners prefer to receive complex or challenging information. They are cautious in evaluating information before forming an opinion by asking questions.

Example of content-oriented listeners

For example, an audience requests the speaker to show a statistical report on the negative impact of social media. When the speaker showed a statistic report, he was verifying the report with Google scholar.

Strategies for Communicating with content-oriented Listeners

Provide authentically verified information. Use two-sided arguments when possible.

Key Takeaways

Content-oriented listeners pay particular attention to the credibility and authenticity of a speaker’s message.

4. Time-Oriented Listening Style

In the time-oriented listening style, listeners pay attention to the time of the speech delivered by the speaker. This type of listener does not like to spend time on anything. They want to utilize their time properly for their well-being.

People demonstrate as time-oriented listeners when they let others know how much time they have to listen or tell others how long they have to meet. These types of listeners always prefer concise information.

Example of time-oriented listeners

An audience asks the program management how much time it may take to complete the program. He also mentioned that he would join the program if it gets completed within 1 hour.

Strategies for Communicating with Time-Oriented Listeners

Manage and save time, Set time guidelines for meetings and conversations, Encourage wordy speakers, and give cues to others when time is wasted.

Key Takeaways

Time-oriented listeners pay special attention to concise messages. They prefer and accept brief messages rather than detailed information to reduce the attention period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four listening styles are people-oriented, content-oriented, action-oriented, and time-oriented listening style.

Difference Between Styles of Listening  and Types of Listening
Styles of Listening

For example, the four types of listening styles are People-oriented, Content-oriented, Action-oriented, and Time-oriented.

Types of Listening

For example, the five types of listening are Discriminative, Comprehensive, Empathic, Analytical, and Appreciative.