Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Explained

Geert Hofstede was a pioneer in research on culture and different types of cultures on an international scale. When he was working at IBM back in 1960s he conducted a research across 66 nations (Wikipedia says 50) to analyse the different cultures existing in the world. He came up with 5 cultural dimensions.

1. Power Distance
2. Uncertainty Avoidance
3. Masculinity vs Femininity
4. Individualism vs Collectivism
5. Long Term Orientation

01) Power Distance

The gap between different hierarchy levels within the society or a workplace. More or less people's acceptance of the unequal distribution of power and authority within the culture. High Power Distance means people are tolerant of the vast gap between lower and higher hierarchical figures of the society. 

02) Uncertainty Avoidance

This refers to the degree of acceptance of 'uncertainty' in their lives. This could also be interpreted as how well or not people perceive or accept the uncertainties and ambiguities in the society or the workplace. High Uncertainty Avoidance cultures tend to have strict and precise rules to minimize uncertainties. 

03) Masculinity vs Femininity 

This refers to the people's perception of gender roles within the culture. Masculine cultures tend to have clear cut roles assigned to both men and women. Masculinity is associated with assertiveness, competitiveness, achievement oriented, ambition and power. However Femininity is associated with quality of life. A Feminine culture will have interwoven gender roles. Both genders will be performing same roles in the society.

04) Individualism vs Collectivism 

This cultural dimension refers to the level of individual integration to groups within societies. Individualist cultures consist of people who put themselves before the group's needs. They like to work alone and achieve their personal objectives. In Collectivist cultures people put the group's needs in front of theirs'. They work towards the good of the group rather than their personal benefit. 

05) Long-term Orientation

This dimension focuses on a culture's time focus. If a culture is long term oriented, it necessarily means they are focusing on the future. They will be sacrificing short term benefits in pursuit of long terms benefits.

Hofstede's Cultural dimensions allow us to identify different traits and personalities existing within different cultures.

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