Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions The most important factor influencing international HRM is the culture of the country in which a facility is located. Culture affects employees' worldview and the norms and values they hold. Culture has a pervasive influence on other important attributes of a country, such as its legal system, human capital, economic system, and political system. As a result, culture strongly determines the effectiveness of most HRM practices. This makes a thorough understanding and appreciation of culture key for managing human resources globally
Hofstede's classification of cultural attributes has become one of the most commonly used methods for understanding culture. He identified five dimensions on which various cultures could be classified: (1) individual-collectivism, (2) power distance, (3) uncertainty avoidance, (4) masculinity-femininity dimension, and (5) long-term—short-term orientation.
Carlos and Mary have just been assigned to work in foreign subsidiaries of their company. Carlos has worked in the headquarters of his company for five years and has now been given his first overseas assignment. Mary has just finished successfully turning around the struggling operations of one foreign subsidiary at her company and has now been tasked with doing the same in a different country.
Read the statements and explanations for each statement below, then for each select which is the correct cultural dimension.
a. High Individualism
b. High Collectivism
c. High Power Distance
d. Low Power Distance
e. High Uncertainty Avoidance
f. Low Uncertainty Avoidance
g. High Masculinity
h. High Femininity
i. Long-Term Orientation
j. Short-Term Orientation
1. In Carlos' experience, people in this country seek to reduce inequalities in money and wealth.
2. In Mary's experience, individuals in this culture tend to live in the moment' instead of planning for the future.
3. In Carlos' experience, this culture places an emphasis on making investments that might have low current benefits but are expected to be profitable in the future.
4. In Mary’s experience, people in this culture like to show off, make money, and achieve highly visible accomplishments.
5. In Mary’s experience, people in this country rarely address others by their first names, instead relying on titles.
6. In Mary's experience, people in this country tend to look after their own interests instead of seeking protection from their larger community.
7. In Mary’s experience, this culture values rules, structure, and stability.
8. In Carlos' experience, people in this culture expect the larger community to protect them when they are in trouble.
9. In Carlos' experience, people in this culture are easygoing and flexible regarding different views.
10. ln Carlos' experience, this culture places a high value on protecting the natural environment and preserving quality of life, even if it means making less money.