Business Communication: Hofstede Model for Intercultural Analysis

Running head: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Name of Student
Name of University
Author note

1BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Introduction:
The Hofstede Model developed by Geert Hofstede is one of the globally accepted
models for analysing and developing intercultural business communication effectively. The
Hofstede model uses a 6 dimensional analysis to understand the cultural differences of the
different countries to understand them effectively (Minkov, Blagoev & Hofstede, 2013).
Discussion:
United States and Mexico have many differences in the cultural aspects and also share
certain similarities. When the American business needs to expand in Mexico, it has to keep in
mind that Mexico has a higher score in the power distance index, which means that it has a
hierarchical society, which is not similar to the equal society of America (Leach-López,
2013). Moreover, United States has an individualistic society compared to that of the
collective society of Mexico, which means the Mexican believe in the success of group work
and not on individuals. However, both USA and Mexico has a masculine society, which is
more focused on work oriented success. This similarity helps the business to grow with
stability. On the contrary, Mexico has a high score on the uncertainty avoidance index, which
makes it possess rigid laws unlike to that of the American Society (Leach-López, 2013). Both
the Mexican and American societies are focused on the short term planning, which can help
them to focus on the immediate planning of the business effectively.
Considering the Hofstede model, China and USA also have different cultural aspects,
which is essential for determining the business communication among these two countries.
China has a high score on the power distance index compared to the USA, which establishes
it as a hierarchical society where the relation between the subordinate and the superiors are
polarized (Wang, Hinrichs, Prieto & Howell, 2013). China is a highly collective society
compared to that of the USA, and focus is always on the teamwork. Success of the team is