Hofstede's dimensions of culture
Research into the staff of a multinational enterprise operating in 40 countries was conducted by Dutch scholar and management consultant Geert Hofstede in the 1970s. He developed a five-dimensional model from his research, arguing that the culture of various countries around the world can be compared and analysed along five dimensions:
- Power distance — the degree to which a society accepts or rejects the unequal distribution of power in organisations and the institutions of society.
- Uncertainty avoidance — the degree to which a society tolerates risk and situational uncertainties.
- Individualism–collectivism — the degree to which a society emphasises individual accomplishment and self-interests, versus collective accomplishments and the good of groups.
- Masculinity–femininity — the degree to which a society values assertiveness and material success, versus feelings and concern for relationships.
- Time orientation — the degree to which a society emphasises short-term considerations versus greater concern for the future.