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Analyzing Cultures

There are different methods how to analyze the culture.
Comparative models – measures one culture against another, and enables the manager or consultant to compare the behavior of one culture with another. A comparative model cannot describe one culture alone. These models are useful when they help the manager compare the characteristics of different cultures and reach a decision. Hofstede´s model identifies the level of differences among different countries. It was based on the research (in the end of 60ties and begin of the 70ties) of 116.000 employess of the IBM company in 65 countries of the world and another research was made in 1982. (Světlík, 2003)
Hofstede uses the five dimensions to distinguish between national cultures are:

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  power distance (PDI)
  
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  individualism and collectivism (IDV),
  
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  the dominant values of masculinity and femininity (MAS),
  
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  uncertainty avoidance (UAI),
  
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  Confucian dynamism (LTO).
  

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  Power distance (PDI = power distance index, 0-100)
  

In cultures with low power distance, people are likely to expect that power is distributed rather equally and furthermore, they are also likely to accept that power is distributed to less powerful individuals. Opposed to this, people in high power distance cultures will likely both expect and accept inequality and steep hierarchies. (Hofstede, 2001) (In countries where the power distance is high the index is higher than 50.) The highest values reach in each community the nonqualified manually working people. The higher the level of education is the lower value of PDI is observed (educated and qualified managers). (Světlík, 2003)

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  Individualism and collectivism (IDV = individualism index, 0-100)
  

In individualistic cultures people are expected to portray themselves as individuals who seek to accomplish individual goals and needs. In collectivistic cultures, people have greater emphasis on the welfare of the entire group to which the
individual belongs where individual wants, needs and dreams are often set aside for the common good. (Hofstede, 2001) For example, USA, Great Britain or Netherland belong to the countries with high value of IDV. The low value was measured, for example, in Portugal or Greece. (Světlík, 2003)

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