Cross Cultural Management: Understanding Hofstede Theory and Communication Barriers

Cross Cultural
Management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
TASK ..............................................................................................................................................3
Hofstede Theory..........................................................................................................................3
Task 2..........................................................................................................................................5
Communication and Negotiation................................................................................................5
Negotiation..................................................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Every business organisation have different set of culture that defines what you do and
how you do at the workplace. It may be referred as the sum total of all informal systems and
values that creates an experience for both employees and customers. Culture acts as the
constraint of the actions of workforce. It is needed to understand the culture in order to manage
the organisation effectively. By managing positive culture business attract the new professionals
along with retaining the existing employees. Cross culture may be describes as a concept that
recognise the difference between people of different background, nation and ethnicities and is
needed to bring bridging them in order to attain organisational goals (O’Rourke, 2019). It helps
in improving the communication between individuals of different culture and nation. This
project report will cover the research ability of cross cultural in reflective away along with opting
the required theories. Further it will also cover an incident of self experience where cultural
theory helped to understand the ongoing thing.
TASK
Hofstede Theory
This theory is most comprehensive study about the values at the workplace and defines
how they are influenced by different cultures. This theory was propounded by Geert Hofstede in
1980. It is the framework that is used to distinguish between various national cultures and their
dimensions in order to assess their impact on setting up of business (Whiting, 2017). The main
aim is to understand and determine the dimensions in which the culture varies. There are six
cateogries defines culture.
 Power distance Index – I have consider that it is the extent to which power and
inequality are tolerated. High power distance indicates that the culture accept the power
difference and inequity whereas low power distance indicates that culture tries to
encourage organisational structure.
 Individualism – According to me it indicates the degree of societies that are integrated
into groups and rely on dependence on groups. Individualism creates a self image of a
person as “I” whereas in case of individualism it creates in “We” category.
 Uncertainty - In this module I have come to know about the extent to which ambiguity
and uncertainties are tolerated. Also I have learnt how to deal with such uncertainties. I

have. I have learned that unknown ambiguity can be minimised by formulating strict
rules and regulations.
 Masculinity – This module provides me with knowledge about masculinity and
femininity and can be referred as “tough versus tender”. Masculinity comes up with
various characteristics such as distinct gender roles and assertive along with
concentrating on building wealth and material achievement (Holliday, 2020). On the
other hand, femininity comes up with fluid roles such as modesty and concerned with
quality of life.
 Long term orientation – This helps me in getting an insight understanding of the extent
to which society views in its time horizon. I have come to know about the long term
orientation that it involves in delaying the short term success and focus on achieving
long term success. Whereas short term orientation focus on delivering short terms
success. This help in focusing on both long term and short term goals.
 Indulgence – It helps me in knowing how the societies control their desires and impulses.
Indulgence refers to the society that enjoys and having fun in gratification.
From the above theory I have learnt so many new things and allows me in various decision
making in my personal life. Earlier I was not aware about the culture but after completing this
module I got the understanding of importance of culture in an organisation. This theory helps me
in understanding the value and how they can influence the business. Before taking this module I
was not setting any goals but later I got the importance of setting up of goals that increases my
productivity in my studies. Culture plays an important role in decision making. While I was
studying I was facing many difficulties in understanding the national culture but my seniors and
teacher helps me in solving my confusion. I took the help of various articles relates to this topic
which provides me with feasible solution. I was having fear as this topic was new for me but by
the help of my teachers and colleagues made me confident. I have also enhanced my team skill
building skills and presentation skills as my peers regularly measures and evaluates my
performance and provide with feedback so that I can improve my errors. Me and my friends
conducted group studies that allows everyone to share their academic issues and they can be
sorted by the seniors or by other friends. It creates self confidence and communication skill of
public speaking. I have found this module very knowledgable and interesting as I have got the