Motivating Across Cultures

1. KMB IB05 (Cross Cultural Management)
Motivating Across Cultures (UNIT 4)
Part 1 of 4
1Dr. Parul Agarwal,ABESEC, AKTU, Lucknow

2. 2Dr. Parul Agarwal,ABESEC, AKTU, Lucknow

3. The Universalist Assumption of
Motivation
• The process is universal
• Culture influences the specific content and
goals pursued
• Motivation differs across cultures
3Dr. Parul Agarwal,ABESEC, AKTU, Lucknow

4. What do workers around the world want
from work?
Country What Workers Consider Important
US Money; personal recognition; promotion
Japan Respect and Power; group harmony
Latin America Family considerations; respect; job status; good personal life
China Extrinsic Rewards; harmony; group affiliation; loyalty from supervisor
Africa Respect; rewards should take needs into account
Russia Extrinsic rewards; loyalty from supervisor
India Extrinsic rewards; good relations with supervisor
Sweden Autonomy
4Dr. Parul Agarwal,ABESEC, AKTU, Lucknow

5. Hofstede’s Dimensions and Their Impact on
Motivation …1
Power Distance In high-power distance cultures, the relationship between subordinates and
their boss is a motivating factor.
In low-power distance cultures, people are more motivated by teamwork and
relations with their peers.
Individualism In highly individualistic countries, people are motivated by opportunities for
individual advancement and autonomy.
In collective cultures, motivation works through appeals to group goals and
support.
5Dr. Parul Agarwal,ABESEC, AKTU, Lucknow

6. Hofstede’s Dimensions and Impact on
Motivation …2
Masculinity In masculine cultures, employees are comfortable with traditional division of work and
roles. Money is an important motivator.
In feminine cultures, people are more flexible about roles. Quality of work life is an
important motivator.
Uncertainty avoidance People in strong uncertainty avoidance cultures are motivated by job security.
People with weak uncertainty avoidance cultures are motivated by risky opportunities,
variety, and fast-track advancement.
6Dr. Parul Agarwal,ABESEC, AKTU, Lucknow