Four Dimensions of Model

Hofstede

[标题 1]

power distance

[标题 2]

uncertaintyavoidance

[标题 3]

individualism

[标题 4]

masculinity

Hofstede (1983:“National Cultures in FourDimensions: A Research-Based Theory of Cultural Differences among Nations” International Studies of Management & Organization13, No. 7) has defined culture asthe aggregate of values, beliefs, andcustoms that define common characteristics of a human group. Consequently, heregards culture as a force that defines the human group, much like personalityexplains an individual's identity. •Hofstede hasfurther explained culturally based value systems according to four dimensions:power distance, uncertaintyavoidance, individualism, and masculinity. Thedimensions emerge from collective attributes, or valueorientations, such as achievements, creativity, autonomy, and selfdetermination, among others, that provide relative measures of groupcharacteristics. Taken together, they represent a society's predispositions toreact to human problems with relatively strong or weak emphasis on each valueorientation. These predispositions underlie cross-cultural research as well aspractical management situations to contrast values and patterns of behavioramong nations and organizations.

A GeneralIntroduction of  Individualism andCollectivism

Individualism pertains to societies in which the ties betweenindividuals are loose. Everyone is expected to look after himself or herselfand his or her immediate family.

 Collectivism pertains to societiesin which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong cohesivein-groups, which throughout people's lifetime continue to protect them inexchange for unquestioning loyalty.