Every country in the world, and even different regions within the same country, has its own unique culture. The culture we live in is one of the most important values that make us who we are because you know that geography is destiny. The richness that people from different cultures create when they come together, and more importantly, the conflict that occurs was discussed by psychologist Geert Hofstede with the theory of cultural dimensions.
Geert Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions evaluates the differences between cultures through six basic dimensions. All these dimensions show how people who have lived in that culture will react when they interact with different cultures. Of course, since it is an extremely general evaluation, it would not be correct to say that it is completely reliable. Let’s examine in all details what is Geert Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions.
First of all, who is Geert Hofstede?
Born on October 2, 1928 in Haarlem, Netherlands, Geert Hofstede is the son of a Jewish family. Hofstede is a writer, social psychologist and sociologist, who has written extensively on cross-cultural interactions. The most important legacy he left behind when he died on February 12, 2020 is a work he called the theory of cultural dimensions.
What is Geert Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions?
Geert Hofstede first put forward the theory of cultural dimensions in the late 1970s. This theory was formed by examining IBM employees operating in more than 50 countries. Michael H. Bond and Michael Minkov later added two more dimensions to Geert Hofstede’s theory, which examined how so many people from different cultures work together through four dimensions, and produced 6 basic dimensions. All these dimensions were evaluated on a score between 0 and 100, and cultural similarities and differences were analyzed through basic statistics.
Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions:
- power distance index
- collectivism and individualism
- uncertainty avoidance index
- femininity and masculinity
- Short and long term orientation
- Restraint and tolerance
Power distance index:
The power distance index expresses the level of inequality between the powerful and the powerless in that culture. The high score of this index value, which is referred to by the abbreviation PDI, means that the inequality between the strong and the weak is accepted in that culture. A low PDI score means that inequality is not accepted in that culture and power is shared equally.
In cultures with a high power distance index, centralized organizations are dominant, the hierarchical order is complex, and there are gaps in many formal areas. In cultures with a low power distance index, simpler organizations are common, and there is an almost equal order between managers and employees.
Collectivism and individualism:
Collectivism and individualism express the strength of the bond of the individual living in that culture with the rest of society. A high score for this value, referred to by the abbreviation IDV, means that the individual in that culture has less ties to their community and takes less responsibility for the consequences of their actions. A low IDV score means that the individual in that culture is connected to his/her society, defends the interests of the group, and takes responsibility.
Cultures that score high on collectivism and individualism place a high value on people’s need for freedom, enjoy challenges, and respect privacy. In cultures with low collectivism and individualism scores, skill development is important, internal rewards are important, and harmony among group members takes precedence.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index:
The uncertainty avoidance index expresses the power of people living in that culture to cope with their anxieties. The high score of this value, which is referred to by the abbreviation UAI, means that people living in that culture live predictable lives and attribute situations they cannot control to divine powers. A lower UAI score means that people in that culture are more relaxed, open and inclusive.
In cultures with a high uncertainty avoidance index, people are more conservative, social conventions are important, emotions are allowed to be shown, and if all is well, the community has high energy. In cultures with a low uncertainty avoidance index, people are open to change, tend to make open-ended decisions, and act with a less sense of urgency.
Femininity and masculinity:
Femininity and masculinity values, as the name suggests, express the distribution of gender roles in that culture. The high score of this value, which is referred to by the abbreviation MAS, means that the roles of men and women overlap less in that culture and men are expected to be strong. A low MAS score means that gender roles overlap in that culture and humility is a virtue.
In cultures where the value of femininity and masculinity is high, there are strong egos, pride is at the forefront, money and success are always much more important. In cultures where the value of femininity and masculinity is low, attention is paid to the fact that all relationships are based on consent, and the main focus is on a high quality of life.
Short and long term orientation:
The short-term and long-term orientation, which is pragmatically and normatively also referred to by the abbreviation PRA, refers to the time perspective of people in that culture. A high PRA score means that people in that culture are long-term thinkers and pragmatic. A low PRA score means that people in that culture think short-term, attach importance to their principles, and are more conservative.
In cultures where short- and long-term orientation is high, people wonder what is right, place emphasis on education, humility is high, and virtues are emphasized. In cultures with low short- and long-term orientation value, people ask ‘why?’ They are focused on the question, strong beliefs dominate, they exaggerate themselves, values are emphasized.
Restriction and tolerance:
Since the restriction and tolerance value is an added dimension, the data on it is much less. The high value of this value, which is referred to by the abbreviation IVR, means that people living in that culture can freely satisfy their feelings and thoughts. A low IVR score means that people in that culture suppress their pleasure and have much stricter norms.
In cultures with a high value of restraint and tolerance, people are optimistic, value freedom of expression, and focus on personal happiness. In cultures where the value of restraint and tolerance is low, people are pessimistic, their behavior tends to be more rigid and more controlled.
We answered the question of what is Geert Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions, which was put forward to evaluate human behavior living in different cultures, and we talked about the details you need to know about this theory. If you wanted to rate the culture you live in, what result would you get? You can share your thoughts in the comments.
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