[Blog Assignment 2] Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory / Jeong Hyemin

 

What are the biggest differences between those countries?

In this grape, the biggest difference is 'individualism'. In particular, there is a big difference between Korea and New Zealand.

1. Power Distance

 Power Distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.

France is a society in which a fair degree of inequality is accepted. Power is not only centralised in companies and government, but also geographically. 

New Zealand is Within organizations, hierarchy is established for convenience, superiors are always accessible and managers rely on individual employees and teams for their expertise. Both managers and employees expect to be consulted and information is shared frequently. At the same time, communication is informal, direct and participative.

South Korea is a slightly hierarchical society. This means that people accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place and which needs no further justification. Hierarchy in an organization is seen as reflecting inherent inequalities, centralization is popular, subordinates expect to be told what to do and the ideal boss is a benevolent autocrat.

2. Individualism

The fundamental issue addressed by this dimension is the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members.

France is shown to be an individualist society.

New Zealand is an Individualist culture.

South Korea is is considered a collectivistic society. This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member ‘group’, be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships.

3. Masculinity

he fundamental issue  is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (Masculine) or liking what you do (Feminine).

France has a somewhat Feminine culture. At face value this may be indicated by its famous welfare system, the 35-hour working week, five weeks of holidays per year and its focus on the quality of life.

New Zealand is a high score (Masculine) on this dimension indicates that the society will be driven by competition, achievement and success, with success being defined by the “winner” or “best-in-the-field.”

South Korea is considered a Feminine society.

4. Uncertainty Avoidance

The extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these is reflected in the score on Uncertainty Avoidance.

The French don’t like surprises. Structure and planning are required. Before meetings and negotiations they like to receive all necessary information.

New Zealand score does not show a preference.

South Korea is one of the most uncertainty avoiding countries in the world. 

5. Long Term Orientation

his dimension describes how every society has to maintain some links with its own past while dealing with the challenges of the present and future, and societies prioritise these two existential goals differently.

France is in societies with a pragmatic orientation, people believe that truth depends very much on situation, context and time. They show an ability to adapt traditions easily to changed conditions, a strong propensity to save and invest, thriftiness, and perseverance in achieving results.

New Zealand is shown to be a normative country.

South Korea scores as one of the most pragmatic, long-term oriented societies.

6. Indulgence

This dimension is defined as the extent to which people try to control their desires and impulses.

France is in combination with a high score on Uncertainty Avoidance, implies that the French are less relaxed and enjoy life less often than is commonly assumed.

New Zealand people in societies classified by a high score in Indulgence generally exhibit a willingness to realise their impulses and desires with regard to enjoying life and having fun.

South Korea is shown to be one of Restraint.