Geert Hofstede: The Four Dimensions Of Culture

The four dimensions of culture studied by Geert Hofstede consist of power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs collectivism, and masculinity vs femininity. All elements measure the effects on society, cultural behavior, value, social norms, and beliefs. Each dimension is measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 100, to represent 75 countries and regions.

Power distance
Power distance is the extent to which less powerful members accept that power is distributed unequally. In high power distance countries, the citizens typically submit to their superiors and are reluctant to change. According to Hofstede, countries that rank highest in power distance index mean they in general are willing to accept the fact that inequality in power is considered the norm. ‘Seeing that power is distributed unequally, it tends to suggest that a society’s level of inequality is endorsed by the followers as much as by the leaders. This also signifies that elders take the lead and be regarded as significant role models and wise elders (Abdullah, 2005, p. 105).

Also, in the element there is great important on education and the ability to learn. High individualism countries typically are very wealthy, they promote personal achievements, and enforce individual rights. The United States, Canada, Sweden, and Germany were all rated high on Hofstede’s scale for individualistic countries. Conversely, collectivism is the idea that the individual’s life belongs not to him but to the group or society. In addition, people that exercise collectivism tend to look out for one another in exchange for loyalty and the opinions or votes of individuals depends on the group one belongs to. High collectivism countries tend to be very poor and the per capital GDP is likely to low as well. The countries include: Venezuela, Columbia, Costa Rica, and