Cultural Dimension Model
Professor Geert Hofstede conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of how values in the workplace are influenced by culture. He is recognized internationally for having developed the first empirical model of “dimensions of national culture”, thus establishing a new paradigm for taking account of cultural elements in international economics, communication and cooperation (Hofstede). Professor Geert Hofstede conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of how values in the workplace are influenced by culture (“Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension Theory”). Professor Hofstede defines culture as “the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or category of people from others”. The …show more content…
In the Hofstede comparison of this dimension as it relates to American and Japanese societies, the two cultures have somewhat similar scores which indicate they view others as equals and less likely to question authority. As it relates to the operating a Snap Fitness club in Tokyo, Japan, the score in this particular Hofstede dimension suggests eliciting feedback from club members and employees may be difficult. A cornerstone of Snap Fitness’s success is their ability to solicit feedback from and respond to member’s requests. The management of a new Snap Fitness location may want to consider incentives such as promotional giveaways (i.e. T-shirts, water bottles) in exchange for member feedback. Bear in mind, this may increase operating costs as compared to U.S. based clubs. In addition to individual feedback, personal trainers may find it difficult to interact with their clients. The interaction between the client and trainer are key to the success of the member fitness training program. Snap Fitness should consider additional education for their personal trainers to assist in overcoming the power distance barrier they will likely …show more content…
Short Term Orientation” is an additional cultural attribute which measures the emphasis of future, thrift and persistence (Smit). “Long-Term Orientation is the fifth dimension of Hofstede which was added after the original four to try to distinguish the difference in thinking between the East and West (Clearly Cultural).” In comparing the Japanese and American cultures, the Japanese score (88) versus the American score (26) represents the largest differential of all the dimensions measured. The very high Japanese score suggests the Japanese people are more focused on the future than the past. Essentially, they are willing to forego short-term success for long term success. The Snap Fitness organization should leverage this dimension to promote multi-session fitness programs designed for long term personal health and wellness. The greater sales of multi-session programs should improve personal training revenue for the fitness club. The sixth and final Hofstede cultural dimension measured is “Indulgence vs. Restraint” which stands for a society that allows relatively free gratification of basic and natural human drives related to enjoying life and having fun. The low score in this dimension received by the Japanese culture (42) suggests the Japanese people place less importance on personal enjoyment than the relatively higher scoring Americans
Professor Geert Hofstede conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of how values in the workplace are influenced by culture. He is recognized internationally for having developed the first empirical model of “dimensions of national culture”, thus establishing a new paradigm for taking account of cultural elements in international economics, communication and cooperation (Hofstede). Professor Geert Hofstede conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of how values in the workplace are influenced by culture (“Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension Theory”). Professor Hofstede defines culture as “the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or category of people from others”. The …show more content…
In the Hofstede comparison of this dimension as it relates to American and Japanese societies, the two cultures have somewhat similar scores which indicate they view others as equals and less likely to question authority. As it relates to the operating a Snap Fitness club in Tokyo, Japan, the score in this particular Hofstede dimension suggests eliciting feedback from club members and employees may be difficult. A cornerstone of Snap Fitness’s success is their ability to solicit feedback from and respond to member’s requests. The management of a new Snap Fitness location may want to consider incentives such as promotional giveaways (i.e. T-shirts, water bottles) in exchange for member feedback. Bear in mind, this may increase operating costs as compared to U.S. based clubs. In addition to individual feedback, personal trainers may find it difficult to interact with their clients. The interaction between the client and trainer are key to the success of the member fitness training program. Snap Fitness should consider additional education for their personal trainers to assist in overcoming the power distance barrier they will likely …show more content…
Short Term Orientation” is an additional cultural attribute which measures the emphasis of future, thrift and persistence (Smit). “Long-Term Orientation is the fifth dimension of Hofstede which was added after the original four to try to distinguish the difference in thinking between the East and West (Clearly Cultural).” In comparing the Japanese and American cultures, the Japanese score (88) versus the American score (26) represents the largest differential of all the dimensions measured. The very high Japanese score suggests the Japanese people are more focused on the future than the past. Essentially, they are willing to forego short-term success for long term success. The Snap Fitness organization should leverage this dimension to promote multi-session fitness programs designed for long term personal health and wellness. The greater sales of multi-session programs should improve personal training revenue for the fitness club. The sixth and final Hofstede cultural dimension measured is “Indulgence vs. Restraint” which stands for a society that allows relatively free gratification of basic and natural human drives related to enjoying life and having fun. The low score in this dimension received by the Japanese culture (42) suggests the Japanese people place less importance on personal enjoyment than the relatively higher scoring Americans