Comparison of Indian and Malaysian Cultures: A Study Based on Hofstede and Trompeanaars Dimensions

SOCIOLOGY 1
With the globalised business environment, workplaces are becoming more culturally
diverse with the inclusion of workforce from varied areas of globe. The paper is
aimed at comparing the cultures of India (country of origin) and Malaysia (country of
choice).
In terms of the Hofstede Model, the comparison and contrast of the cultures of India
and Malaysia is presented as follows. In terms of first pillar of the model that is the
power distance, India has a higher appreciation of top-down structure and hierarchy
in organizations and in society as compared to Malaysia (Taras, Steel and Kirkman,
2011). Thus, the individuals in an organisation are more dependent on directions in
India unlike in Malaysia. For the second dimension of Individualism, India, is a
society possessing both collectivistic and Individualist traits. An instance of the belief
lies in religion belief of Hinduism where an individual is responsible for his or her own
life. In contrast to this Malaysia is more of a collectivist society where strong
relationships are fostered and everyone takes responsibility for fellow members
(Jogulu and Ferkins, 2012). For third criteria of masculinity, it must be noted that
India is considered a Masculine society with display of more men in success and
power. There is more natural inclination towards men as evident from the cultural
practices and religious philosophies. For Malaysia, there is a balance masculine and
feminine characteristics. The country Malaysia has a low preference for avoiding
uncertainty which is evident by the flexible work schedules, and innovation is not
seen as threatening. The country India too has a low medium preference for avoiding
uncertainty, the rules are mostly existing the place, but generally are meant to be
surpassed. In terms of long term orientation, Malaysia has a normative culture, in
contrast to this in India there is an absence of a clear dominant preference in Indian
culture and a lot reliance has been laid on the concept of “karma.” Indian societies
are more pragmatic and have a great tolerance for varied religious views. For the
next dimension of Indulgence, India has a culture of restraint or savings, and not
much emphasis is laid down on leisure time and desires are often controlled. In
contrast to this, the culture of Malaysia is more indulgent and people of the societies
exhibit a willingness to fulfil the enjoyment and desires in life. A great focus is laid on
leisure time as the money is spent in the manner people like. Thus, as per the
Hofstede model, the culture of India and Malaysia greatly varies in terms of power
distance, individualism and indulgence. In rest of the dimensions, there is no strong