This document summarizes Geert Hofstede's six dimensions of national culture: individualism vs collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity vs femininity, short-term vs long-term orientation, and indulgence vs restraint. For each dimension, countries are provided as examples for high or low scores on each dimension. The dimensions examine how cultures program their members to think, feel and act in different situations.

1. HOFSTEDE’S DIMENSIONS OF CULTURAL VALUES
Individualism
The culture is a loosely knit social framework
in which people take care of themselves and
their immediate family.
United States, Canada, Australia
Collectivism
The culture is a tight social framework in
which people take care of the members of a
broader group and act loyal to it.
Ecuador, China, South Korea
Power Distance (Low)
The culture prefers that power be distributed
uniformly where possible, in a more egalitarian
fashion.
Canada, Germany, Denmark
Power Distance (High)
The culture accepts the fact that power is
usually distributed unequally within
organizations.
Philippines, Mexico, Romania
Uncertainty Avoidance (Low)
The culture tolerates uncertain and ambiguous
situations and values unusual ideas and
behaviors.
Denmark, United Kingdom, Sweden
Uncertainty Avoidance (High)
The culture feels threatened by uncertain and
ambiguous situations and relies on formal rules
to create stability.
Japan, France, Spain
Masculinity
The culture values stereotypically male traits
such as assertiveness and the acquisition of
money and things.
Italy, Japan, Germany
Femininity
The culture values stereotypically female traits
such as caring for others and caring about
quality of life.
Sweden, Costa Rica, The Netherlands
Short-term orientation
The culture stresses values that are more past-
and present-oriented, such as respect for
tradition and fulfilling obligations.
Australia, Philippines, Poland
Long-term orientation
The culture stresses values that are more
future-oriented, such as persistence, prudence,
and thrift.
China, Japan, The Netherlands
References:
1. This table is adapted from: Colquitt, J.A., LePine, J.A., and Wesson, M.J. (2009).
Organizational Behavior. McGraw-Hill, New York: NY.
2. https://www.geert-hofstede.com/