This document discusses the concept of culture and Hofstede's cultural dimensions model. It defines culture as ways of living that are learned rather than innate. Hofstede's model examines power distance, individualism, masculinity vs femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation as key dimensions to analyze differences in cultures. The document then provides characteristics and cultural patterns for some countries, including Japan with its emphasis on harmony and uncertainty avoidance, Germany with its focus on planning and orderliness, China with its long-term investments in organizations, and Mexico with its collectivism and emphasis on family.

1. What Is Culture ?
Culture as “ways of living”
Culture is learned, not innate
deepa.chandirrasekar@gmail.com

2. MEXICO - Wards off hunger
INDIA - Wards off evil
Never
underestimate the
importance of local
knowledge

3. Dimensions of Culture
Hofstedes culture Dimensions

4. Power Distance
• The degree of inequality that exists – and is
accepted by the people with or without the power.

5. Characteristics of PD
High
• Centralized
• Large Gap in Compensation
and authority
Low
• Flatter Organisation
• Supervisors and Employees
are almost equal

6. Individualism
• Refers to the Strength of the ties people have to
others within the community.

7. Characteristics of Individualism
High
• Respect For Privacy
• An Enjoyment of Challenges,
and an expectation of rewards
for hardwork
Low
• Emphasis on building skills and
becoming masters of something
• Work for Intrinsic rewards

8. Masculinity Vs Femininity
• Refers how the society sticks with and
values, traditional male and female roles
• A masculine culture emphasizes status
derived from wages and positions.
• A Feminine culture emphasizes on human
relations and quality of life.

9. Uncertainty Avoidance
• Relates to the degree of anxiety
society members feel when in
uncertain and unknown situations.

10. Characteristics Of Uncertainty Avoidance
High
• Very formal Business conduct with
lots of rules and regulations
• Need and expect structure
• Difference are avoided
Low
• Informal Business Attitude
• More concern with the long term
strategy
• Accepting of change and risk

11. Long term Orientation
• Refers to how much society values long standing –
as opposed to short term – traditional values

12. Characteristics Of Long Term Orientation
High
• Strong work ethic
• High value placed on education
and training
• Hesitant to introduce changes
Low
• High Creativity and mind set to
introduce change

13. Culture & Management
Styles in Selected Countries

14. Culture of Japan

15. Cultural Pattern Of Japan
• Japanese are a Homogeneous People
• Reject Foreign Influences
• Principles of Wa
• Masculine Culture
• Uncertainty avoidance

16. Largest country located in central Europe
GERMANY

17. Cultural Pattern Of Germany
• Planning & Orderliness
• Long term thinking
• Low Power Distance
• High Quality
• High Technical Knowledge

18. World’s largest Communist Country
CHINA

19. Cultural Patterns of CHINA
• Investments in work organizations,
both in human and monetary terms
are regarded as long term.
• Four Cultural Characteristics
• Persistence
• Respect for relationship
• Thrift
• Sense of Shame

20. Culture of Mexico

21. Cultural Pattern Of Mexico
• Collectivism
• Higher Power Distance
• Higher uncertainty Avoidance
• No Value for time
• More Formalities
• Importance towards family
• Negotiation is a long process

22. Thank You
Questions ????????