Geert-Hofstede Case Study

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Register to read the introduction… In his seven year research, Hofstede compared cultural dimensions in forty countries and divided this into four (or sometimes five) areas that summarized each culture. The dimensions included: Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism (IDV) (opposite collectivism), the Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), and Masculinity (MAS) (opposite femininity), and Long-term Orientation (LTO). Power distance refers to the extent that less powerful members accept and expect inequality. Individualism is the degree in which each person is integrated into groups—that is whether they have tight bonds or are forced to lookout for themselves. Masculinity refers to the measure of gender and their respective roles. Uncertainty avoidance regards the extent to which members tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty. Lastly (not applicable to all countries, but does apply for Sierra Leone), there is the long term orientation which deals with virtue (Hofstede, …show more content…
The following is a graph that compares Sierra Leone’s ranks to that of the United States, (Hofstede, 2009).
The Impact
From the graph above we can see that there are significant differences in PDI and IDV—from this we can conclude that these areas will be of most concern. While the differences in the other three dimensions are not as wide spread they are note worthy and should be considered as they too will have an impact on the work relationship within the country.
PDI
On the Power Distance Index the United States ranks a forty and Sierra Leon ranks seventy-seven. Consequently, my cultural work ethics strive to ensure equality whereas those of Sierra Leone are more lenient with their acceptance of disproportionate classes. Thus, I must not let this conviction impede negotiations when considering corporate social

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