Dimensions of Culture

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The concept of cultural dimensions is based on the idea that there are fundamental topics every culture has to deal with. Anthropologists and sociologists sought to define cultural dimensions in order to make different cultures comparable. Thus, dimensions can help to analyse cultural differences and their consequences.

One of the most popular researchers in the field of intercultural communication is the Dutch anthropologist Geert Hofstede who, due to a survey in multinational enterprises,  specified six basic cultural dimensions. Every dimension has two extreme poles that can be numbered with the values 0 and 100. The researchers can assign a numerical value to each examined culture and afterwards compare and analyse the cultural differences.

The cultural dimensions defined in the video are:

1. Power Distance Index (PDI)

1.Power Distance Index (PDI)

This dimension refers to the degree of inequality that exists and is accepted between people with and without power in a culture.

A high PDI score in a society  indicates that an unequal, hierarchical distribution of power prevails and that people accept „their place“ in the system. A low PDI score means that power is shared and that society members do not accept situations where power is distributed unequally.

This cultural dimension manifests itself not only in organisations or at workplaces, but also in all societal situations, e.g.

  • Family: In societies with a high PDI parents expect obendience from their children; in societies with a low PDI score children are treated as equal and are allowed to take part in decisions.
  • Education: In schools with a high PDI score teachers expect respect and subordination; in some cases caning is accepted. When a low PDI score prevails students are allowed to discuss with teachers, they are treated as independent individuals and caning is seen as abuse.
2. Individualism versus Collectivism

2. Individualism versus Collectivism

This dimension comprises the polarity of individualism on one side and collectivism on the other side. On the individualist side we find societies in which the ties among individuals are rather loose; everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family. On the collectivist side there are societies where people are integrated into strong and cohesive in-groups and extended families. The community protects the individual in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. The social affiliation in collectivist societies usually cannot be chosen but is given „by nature“. Individuals have a „we“-perspective.

In contrast, individualist societies emphasise the persepective of the single person. Children grow up in nuclear families and usually leave their parental homes as soon as they come of age. The ties among the family members are looser and more free. It is expected that every person has an opinion of his/her own and is allowed to express it – impossible in collectivist societies which have a strong desire for harmony. Dissenting opinions are regarded as impolite and disruptive.

3. Masculinity versus Feminity

3. Masculinity versus Femininity

Masculinity versus its opposite, femininity refers to the distribution of roles between the genders which is another fundamental issue for any society. The terms masculinity and femininity stand here for a basic attitude towards the community life and the desirable goals.

Masculine societies have a clear definition of male and female roles: Men have to be strong and efficiency-oriented, women are expected to be more modest and sensitive.

In cultures with a low masculinity index gender roles are not as clearly distinguished. For example, there are male nurses and female managers. Desirable goals are caring for fellow men and respecting  each other whereas excessive drive for success is not well accepted.

4. Uncertainty Avoidance

4. Uncertainty Avoidance

This dimension deals with a society’s tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. It indicates if members of a culture feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations. Unstructured situations can be new, unknown, surprising and/or different from usual. Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance try to reduce the occurrence of such situations by strict rules and laws, safety and security measures.

In societies with a low index of uncertainty avoidance the average of people are more open to change or innovation. They can tolerate open-ending discussions and learning processes.

5. Long- versus Short- Term Orientation

5. Long- Versus Short-Term Orientation

The connection between a country’s association with its past and its current and future activity is the topic this dimension deals with.

A society with a lower rate in this index maintains its connectedness with its past traditions and highly estimates steadfastness. These cultures are inclined to view change with suspicion and decide for traditional norms.

Cultures with higher ratings in this index tend to encourage innovation and adaptation. They see modern education as a valuable element for future success.

6. Indulgence Versus Restraint

6. Indulgence Versus Restraint

Societies with a high score in this dimension allow or encourage relatively free gratification of people’s own desires and emotions. An optimistic attitude towards life is appreciated as well as enjoying life and having fun. The focus in on personal happiness.

In cultures with a low rating in this dimension there is more emphasis on regulation of people’s conduct and behaviour, and there are stricter social norms. The attitude towards life is rather pessimistic, and the focus lies on rigid structures and control.

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On the Website „Hofstede Insights“ you find a tool comparing the dimensional scores of all countries listed in the study.

Hofstede’s concept of cultural dimensions is very popular. His studies are based on a broad set of data and they are easily understandable. It has to be said, though, that most of the results date back to studies from the 1980s. The concept has also been criticized because Hofstede’s data focus on multinational enterprises and their corporate culture. Thus,  a generalisation of the results to all areas of life is questionable.

Assignment

Please think about the refugees or asylum seekers you work with. Which countries do they come from? Check the dimensional scores of the respective countries with the tool linked above. Do the scores correspond to the experiences you have made with your protégés?
Please compare the scores of the refugee countries with those of your own country.  Which findings help you to improve your awareness of cultural differences?