What Is Culture ?
Culture as “ways of living”
Culture is learned, not innate
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MEXICO - Wards off hunger
INDIA - Wards off evil
Never
underestimate the
importance of local
knowledge

Dimensions of Culture
Hofstedes culture Dimensions

Power Distance
• The degree of inequality that exists – and is
accepted by the people with or without the power.

Characteristics of PD
High
• Centralized
• Large Gap in Compensation
and authority
Low
• Flatter Organisation
• Supervisors and Employees
are almost equal

Individualism
• Refers to the Strength of the ties people have to
others within the community.

Characteristics of Individualism
High
• Respect For Privacy
• An Enjoyment of Challenges,
and an expectation of rewards
for hardwork
Low
• Emphasis on building skills and
becoming masters of something
• Work for Intrinsic rewards

Masculinity Vs Femininity
• Refers how the society sticks with and
values, traditional male and female roles
• A masculine culture emphasizes status
derived from wages and positions.
• A Feminine culture emphasizes on human
relations and quality of life.

Uncertainty Avoidance
• Relates to the degree of anxiety
society members feel when in
uncertain and unknown situations.

Characteristics Of Uncertainty Avoidance
High
• Very formal Business conduct with
lots of rules and regulations
• Need and expect structure
• Difference are avoided
Low
• Informal Business Attitude
• More concern with the long term
strategy
• Accepting of change and risk

Long term Orientation
• Refers to how much society values long standing –
as opposed to short term – traditional values

Characteristics Of Long Term Orientation
High
• Strong work ethic
• High value placed on education
and training
• Hesitant to introduce changes
Low
• High Creativity and mind set to
introduce change

Culture & Management
Styles in Selected Countries

Culture of Japan

Cultural Pattern Of Japan
• Japanese are a Homogeneous People
• Reject Foreign Influences
• Principles of Wa
• Masculine Culture
• Uncertainty avoidance

Largest country located in central Europe
GERMANY

Cultural Pattern Of Germany
• Planning & Orderliness
• Long term thinking
• Low Power Distance
• High Quality
• High Technical Knowledge

World’s largest Communist Country
CHINA

Cultural Patterns of CHINA
• Investments in work organizations,
both in human and monetary terms
are regarded as long term.
• Four Cultural Characteristics
• Persistence
• Respect for relationship
• Thrift
• Sense of Shame

Culture of Mexico

Cultural Pattern Of Mexico
• Collectivism
• Higher Power Distance
• Higher uncertainty Avoidance
• No Value for time
• More Formalities
• Importance towards family
• Negotiation is a long process

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