Essay about Hofstede’s Culture Dimensions

Words: 2993
Pages: 12

Business report

Introduction
Due to different countries have different cultures. When the company wants to co-operate with international companies, one important point is, the company must understand the characteristics of the cultural differences. Cultural issues are key factors of company success and failure. Culture differences can have important effects on companies operating in another country. (Deresky, 2006) from this report will choice China, U.S. and Britain. Hofstede’s culture dimensions are basic framework to analyse the culture differences between China and U.S. and Britain. It the most popular theories and used by many national culture. Hofstede (1980) developed five cultural dimensions: (1) power distance; (2)
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Their position no differences, as Subordinate employees normally consider superior are similar. Therefore, it more equal between employees and managers, managers and employees are more harmonious relationship. It makes employees improve their skills and achieve personal values.
On the other hand, Britain has a low power distance culture and members will strive for an equal distribution of power within the culture. In Britain, leader always listen and communication with staff, and build a harmonious group of subordinates. It can improve each other cooperation. Subordinates are more likely to challenge bosses and bosses tend to use management style. Sometimes, managers and staff have good relationships.
In contrast, Chinese (subordinates) respect power seldom challenge the manager’s power. China, is a high power distance country, a high power emphasises subordinates are more likely to follows boss’ instruction. Due to the historical reasons cause Chinese managers status symbols is very important. Superiors have the privilege as it should be their own privilege. In some situation, it is not being regarded if subordinates have a disagreement with their managers. This feature indicates employees and managers not harmonious relationship. In the China, power distance is also related with family culture. (Trompernaars, 1993)

• Individualism v. Collectivism (IDV)
A second Hofstede dimension is Individualism and Collectivism. The collectivism and individualism