Geert Hofstede undertook what is probably the most famous study of how culture relates to values in the workplace. Through his research in the late 1960s and early 70s, he was able to isolate four dimensions that he claimed summarized different cultures: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity vs. femininity, and, later, Confucian dynamism. How a society's culture affects the values found in the workplace is considerably important to an international business with operations in different countries. Management processes and practices may need to vary according to culturally determined work-related values.
Decide which dimension of Hofstede's cultural values is represented.
Then write the name to the appropriate value.
Bill Jiro Ben Elena Ming
Power Distance
Individualism/ Collectivism
Uncertainty Avoidance
Masculinity/ Femininity
Time Orientation
Match each of the options above to the items below.
a. Ming is from a powerful family, and because of this, she will be in an authoritative position in the workplace.
b. Ben has very loose ties with his family and enjoys wearing provocative T-shirts to express a sense of freedom and uniqueness. He shows no interest in joining the family business
c. Elena has worked at the same company for more than 15 years. She parks in the same parking spot every day and values routine and predictability.
d. Jiro is extremely driven and assertive. His goal is to become the most powerful man in the company
e. Bill works very hard in his job and expects to see the reward of his labor quickly