Hofstede's Value Dimensions

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Ch 3 Assignment – Hofstede’s Social Values There are five dimensions of the national value systems that influence organizational and employee working relationships, as identified by Hofstede. The power distance value dimension refers to the way less powerful members of society perceive and accept that power is distributed unequally. A small power distance means that people relate to one another more as equals regardless of formal positions. In cultures with a large power distance, the less powerful accept the fact that power relations are autocratic or paternalistic. Subordinates acknowledge the power of others based on formal, hierarchical positions. The U.S. scores a 40 on the cultural scale, due to the unequal distribution of wealth and the gap (that grows larger as the years go by) between the poor and rich. The individualism and collectivism social value refers to how much members of a culture define themselves apart from their group memberships. In an individualistic society, such as in the U.S., people are expected to develop and display their individual personalities, choose their own afflictions, and look after themselves. High value is placed on people’s time and their need for freedom. The “American Dream” is clearly representative of an individualistic society. In collectivist societies, people are defined and act mostly as a member of a specific group. Masculinity v. femininity is the value placed on traditionally male or female values. In ‘masculine’ more value is placed on traits such as competitiveness, assertiveness, ambition, and the accumulation of wealth are valued. In ‘feminine’ cultures, people value relationships and quality of life. The U.S. is more masculine than feminine, as evidenced through the values placed on individual achievements. Uncertainty avoidance deals with a culture’s tolerance for certainty and

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