Cultures and People of The World

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The people of the world speak approximately 250 different languages across countries; they dress in different ways and eat different foods. Societies share basic institutions such as government, the educational system and religious institutions. Therefore, culture is a learned system of shared beliefs and habits of doing activities that guide a person`s daily behavior.
In this essay, I will be comparing the cultural dimensions of Japanese culture with that of the culture of my country, India. I will be comparing the four cultural dimensions of the Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Long-Term Orientation (LTO)/Short-Term Orientation (STO) and Masculinity/ Femininity between these countries.
 Power Distance Index(PDI)
This dimension calculates the distribution of wealth and power between people in a country or institution. The PDI illustrates the extent to which ordinary citizens surrender to the authority. Countries with lower PDI shows authority figures working closely with citizens, whereas countries with higher PDI follow an authoritarian hierarchy, were the employees acknowledge and respect the boss`s authority. India scores 77, because status and respect are accepted on seniority and not skills or knowledge. Hence, hierarchical boss-subordinate relationships are evident. Japan scores 54, as it is an average hierarchal society. In the workplace, Japanese practice a slow-decision making process followed by confirmation from top management. Even in Japanese education it is taught that everybody is born equal.
 Uncertainty Avoidance Index(UAI)
This dimension deals with society`s acceptance towards certainty (truth) and uncertainty (ambiguity). Different cultures of the world have inculcated various ways to deal with ...

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...uline societies in the world. In Japan, it is usually the competition for excellence and perfection between the various aspects of society. Japanese are workaholics; hence it is a major factor towards masculinity. Thus, women find it hard to climb the corporate ladder.
“Culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often an international disaster,” (Geert Hofstede, Dutch social psychologist). Humans are social creatures and they interact with many layers of culture, from family, to the workplace, to community and finally international culture. Due to the expansion of world trade and globalization of industries and professions, individuals require a tool to learn about the cross culture difference. Thus GLOBE Cultural dimensions are used as a tool that can address the challenges in the global community.

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