Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory | Assignment

STUDY SKILLS FOR
HIGHER EDUCATION

Table of Contents
ASSESSMENT 1............................................................................................................................1
1) Evaluating suggestion made on article Hofstede's cultural dimension -................................1
2) Agree and Disagree on Hofstede's cultural dimensions – ......................................................2
3) Suggestion on Hofstede's cultural dimensions .......................................................................3
ASSESSMENT 2 ............................................................................................................................3
1) Meaning of Literature Review and what it can be achieved...................................................3
2) Literature Review on “Corporate Social Responsibility” - ..................................................6
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

ASSESSMENT 1
1) Evaluating suggestion made on article Hofstede's cultural dimension -
Cultures are an important in international business and Geert Hofstede have researched
about the cultural values and how they influence the business environment. They have identified
into four types of cultural dimensions. The first cultural dimensions is
Individualism/Collectivism. This means individualism culture have high value among the
individuals and they are concern about themselves and their self interest whereas in collectivism
is a group adherent which means any task completed collectively in the group to achieve a
common goal(Bakir and et.al., 2015). Individualism positive aspects is taking decision
individually without any interference and also right to take reward by their hard work and no
targets issue arise and negative aspect is if company occurs loss, he individually is responsible
for the loss occurs and have to settle it out without taking any suggestions from anyone. Similar
is with collectivism its positive aspect is having respects, loyalty and power of decision making
in certain community or groups discussion. If the losses are occurred it should be distributed
equally and negative aspect is if one member had done the work with full dedication still the
reward is distributed among the group members(Khlif, 2016).
The second cultural dimension is Power Distance. It accepts a hierarchical order. The
power can be low power distance such as subordinate persons are having power or high power
distance such as superior persons having powers. Positive Aspect of low power distance is that
less powerful person live their life carefree as they have no obligation in any decision taken and
its negative aspect is persons feel less important because they are not allowed to take decisions
in important matters which provides benefits to them Similarly in High power distance its
positive aspect is that high powerful person have all the rights to take decision and also give
order to superiors to follow their decision and negative aspect is that if decisions taken on the
basis of power proves wrong than whole charge have to bear by the superior person(Kim, 2017).
The third cultural dimensions is uncertainty avoidance, In this the person feel
uncomfortable and avoidable when they faced certain situation in the society. The positive aspect
is that when the crisis occurs they remain unknown with the situation and are safe from being in
disputed matter and the negative aspect is that when they have to take a serious decision and
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which is for the benefit of the society than this attitude reflect the poor decision maker in the
society(Chang and et.al., 2017).
The fourth cultural dimensions is Masculinity/femininity. Here in this masculinity is in
terms of man and femininity is in terms of women. The positive aspect of Masculinity is that
they are strong, heroism and achieve the rewards by cracking the ideas which are there speciality
but the negative factor is that they are dominating in nature, they never want women to be more
successful than him(Khlif, 2016). The positive aspect of feminist is that they are strong,
cooperative and modest to Handel the matters but the negative aspect is that when the matter is
related to family they are weak in taking correct decision.
2) Agree and Disagree on Hofstede's cultural dimensions –
Hofstede's cultural dimensions which I am agreed with is the uncertainty avoidance. As
in this if some situations occurs unpredictable and we haven't prepare a plan to cope up with that
problem and if we take any decision it may result to loss to society culture values and thoughts.
In that case to avoid that problem instant of facing an uncertain situation(Bakir and et.al., 2015).
As future incidents are not in hands of the people but to make strategies can be possible.
In organisation senior employees always make a back up plan so that junior employees do no
have to face an uncertain situation. Canada feels that risk taking and facing uncertain situation
gives a great strong impact to the company structure but this procedure is not always be in
positive way, a lot of planning is made before taking risk because if anyone bears risk they have
to put their capital in risks and also have to be mentally prepared for that risk taking factor
because risk not only comes alone it comes up with lot of challenges in the market(Kim, 2017).
The cultural dimensions which I am disagreed with is Masculinity/femininity. As man
are more strong than women but in few cases women Handel all the issue relating to
management or decision in the company. Man became weak in taking decision relating to family
matter and on the other hands it also handles the family issues and have power to solve it in
their own manner. If women are weak in some aspect it is stronger and caring in other one and
also in organisation mostly women plays the major role and also run the organisation
successfully(Gunkel, Schlaegel and Taras, 2016).
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3) Suggestion on Hofstede's cultural dimensions
Few things which should be added in the Hofstede's cultural dimensions are firstly the
culture related to time. Society has to manage their time by firstly assemble their past task and
then accept the challenges for the present and near future. The company offers business to other
company in only condition that they have to mange their time and also no previous issue risk is
associated with the matter they are offering because company's past affect the working of the
present company matters.
The second point is on the bases of Indulgence as in this society allows the person to
engage in some activity and explore the global world because learning has no stoppage and they
had their right to live life and explore the world and learn as many things and use it to encourage
people to do good in the society.
The third point which I feel is important to discuss is that of restraint which means to
restrict the people from doing something. As this mostly happens in the business organisation, in
organisation the leader and supervisor employees always stop the lower class employees to
present their thoughts and order them to follow the instruction which they are giving and not
which they are willing to do, this result in demotivating them and stopping them to present their
capability, skills and talents through which they get job in the organisation. These are some
factors which I feel should be mentioned in the article.
ASSESSMENT 2
1) Meaning of Literature Review and what it can be achieved.
Literature Review means the process of research of all the previous and current
knowledge of a topic mentioned in books and Journals. Literature review are to used in two
forms one for the purpose of university – Under these students are assigned to write literature
review on certain topics it can be in there training research and use in as dissertation and second
one is in the form of thesis or properly explained research report(Hart, 2018). The main points
which is important in both is about the concept and writing skills and language they are
interpreting to present their topic. The Literature review has 4 main Aspects:
~ It involves Survey in different area relating to their topic which they selected.
~ After having survey combine all the individual parts of the topic and arrange them into a single
format in the form of summary(What is Literature Review, 2014).
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~ The information gathered should be properly checked and current affairs and recent survey
theories and limitation on that topic should be properly analysed in different way.
~ Lastly after gathering all the relevant information a proper presentation is prepared and
examined carefully the relevant aspects.
Purpose of Literature Review -
 It provides a detail study to help the researcher to gain knowledge from article, blogs,
newspaper and then summarize their individual report into one summary.
 It gives chance to researcher to start a beginning from the new area where they can search
and analyse an excellent knowledge and also examine new aspects in that area(Booth,
Sutton and Papaioannou, 2016).
 The researcher has to assure that they cannot duplicate there work done, in case if they
did it results into infringement of work and also they are restricted from doing the
research work.
 It provides help to the researcher to investigate that area and also there are major aspects
which they can comber their research work.
 It highlights the various important aspect which is examined in the survey and also these
highlights can change that area structure because research is a deep study about the area
and various aspect are gathered which sometimes change the structure of that place(Hart,
2018).
 If the research is done on their own basis without any help from supervisor and there is
any gap arises in basis of information or any other matter which are not covered in the
topic, literature review clearly identifies the gap and inconsistency in the topic.
 There are many researchers and it also a chance that there are many same topics but every
researcher has different aspect in research and there information which they gathered
have different information and knowledge which makes him different from the other
researcher(Booth, Sutton and Papaioannou, 2016).
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Literature review is a deep study of research and learning through books and journals and
many researchers have analysed in different way because as far as research take place new facts
are analysed and ideas come up with lot of experiences and learning on any topic with a deep
study. We achieve that by analysis different researcher they make thesis at different level of
thinking and expressing their ideas and thoughts which indicated that thesis at different stages.
By this Literature Review er analysed that with proper guidance and supervision we can gain a
long term knowledge and addressed to certain facts and have capability to change the few
negative aspects by having proper knowledge with the matter(Hart, 2018).
In Literature review time is the most important aspect because to have proper research a
time management should be effective because researcher can't waste their whole time for a single
area research they have to arrange certain facts and analysed their numbers and statics which
may be reflect through proper time management. We analysed from the researcher that there is
less use of resources and cost effective research which is the major point of every researcher and
also we analyse that checking different research work and their criteria of analysing the facts and
numbers and their writing style and language helps in getting our research work easier and also
certain facts are revealed which helps in understanding how to modify the changes and given
aspect in simplified form(Booth, Sutton and Papaioannou, 2016).
Final touch of Literature Review: Final touch comes up with review and rechecking of work. It
includes -
 Read you work again after its completion because as several times you read you work
more times you better that what should be added or deducted from the report, if any
grammatical errors arises or any language which is not clear or readable or proper
divisions of paragraphs and text body of the report are organised or not.
 Report should not conclude such words and sentence which harms any person's life or
related to any nation which influence or impose their working structure.
 Check all the citations and reference are inserted and the author whom you are refereeing
should be properly explained in your report(Hart, 2018).
 Sentence should be properly arranged and should be in a continuous flow and have easy
and understandable language.
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2) Literature Review on “Corporate Social Responsibility” -
As per the view of Crowther and Seifi, (2018) Corporate Social Responsibility in terms
of business is that it refers to the development in social, economics and environmental benefits
to their stakeholders, employees engaged with them in non profit ratio. Through CSR activity
company can boost their own brand in the market by promoting or engaging their employees in
certain activities which indirectly promoted the company activities and their name in the market
and in return company is giving benefits to the society. As it is clear that if CSR procedure is
beneficial to company it is also equally important to the society.
Corporate social responsibility is defined as the responsibility of a company or business
to do welfare of the society or it is the integration of socially beneficial programs and practices
into a company's business model and culture. For increasing long term profit in the company's
business it should take initiative for Corporate social responsibility
As per the view of Dias, Rodrigues and Craig, (2016) Attracting Customers is benefit of
CSR. Treating customer fairly is the part of corporate social responsibility that will make a good
brand image of the company in market and also it will increase company's customer in long run.
In addition, Awareness towards environment is another significant. CSR helps company to
become aware about environment problems. Organizations should make proper arrangement of
hazardous wastes, must follow the philosophy of 3 R's that is 'reduce, reuse and ' and using only
sustainable products. Products which are of no use and only disposal for waste can be recycled
again by innovative and creating something in new manner and also trained others to use those
products in simplified manner and eco friendly environment.
Kim, Kim and Qian, (2018) stated that it will reduce financial consequences is benefit of
CSR. If a company comply with all rules and regulation imposed by government or through any
act (as may be prescribed) then it can prevent itself from paying fines and penalties, also CSR
will reduce wastage of resources as company will make optimum use of its resources considering
the fact of saving environment and also company can gain positive media attention by taking part
in communal and social activities, it can take initiative in maintaining public parks, playing areas
etc.
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As per the view of Ali, Frynas and Mahmood, (2017) it may have some loopholes like it
may reduce short term profit of the organization as sometimes it needs huge expenses, that can
increase company's cost and reduce profit and it is not compulsory that CSR will definitely be
beneficial in long run. Sometimes CSR efforts may not seen as sincere and hence can lead to
damage its reputation. Company should organise its training activities in such a way that it doest
reflect the company reputation and also the informations and data are highly secured and locked
with a secrecy password.
Also, as per view of Manchanda, (2017) there is no clear cut idea about donating amount
to eradicate poverty, the company focuses more on maintaining brand image. It is mere a tool
for attracting customer by targeting there emotions. Sometimes companies portray that they are
using organic ingredients, that is also a part of CSR activity, but actually that product does not
contain any organic substance. This misleading information can go against the interest of public
and also affect the company reputation and its brand name.
Crane, Matten and Spence, (2019) stated that CSR practices is different in each company
and also its procedure and initiatives are different and unique because mostly company use this
method to promote their business activities and to encourage employees to work harder and
achieve the targets within the given time. CSR is very broader concept and includes various
topics such as heath and safety norms, environment protection, rights to live life with freedom
and equality, their stress free working condition and make some contribution towards the
economic development and welfare practice.
According to Lins, Servaes and Tamayo, (2017) CSR is a procedure that how companies
manages their overall aspect in the society.
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Illustration 1: Definition of CSR
Source: Corporate Social responsibility, 2019
McWilliams, (2015) in their study CSR activities that raise company structure are in the form of
Human Resource as Human Resource Department plays and important role in company to
perform the CSR program. HR manges the plan and its implementation procedure in such a way
that they give benefit to the company not in profit terms but to encourage employees to work as
teammate and achieve their goals. HR plans help CSR program as -
~ To maintain greenery in the environment which provide natural air and positivity to the
environment and also change the working condition and environment of the company by
recycling paper bottles, cans and other useful things that can be reused, telling employees about
the usefulness to save electricity and also less use of mobile phones or other gadgets.
~ Increase the use of telecommunication or networks instead of attending meeting in different
places or arrange foreign trips or conference at luxury places.
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~ Collect and arrange money, clothes and other useful things to help the people who suffer their
life in natural calamities.
Jha and Cox, (2015) made a case study of CSR in relation to training and development of
company working and development. In CSR program company teaches the employees about
then working and their development strategy and how the company manges to trained new
employee and help them to achieve their goals and targets and also make them stable to complete
task to become eligible for promotion and increment in their jobs.
Quarshie, Salmi and Leuschner, (2016) in his research article entitled the CSR into
leadership theory. Leadership is that theory which is important for both company and the
employees working with that organisation. Leadership is the skills that company have to trained
their employees and make them feel comfortable in the working environment of the company
and same as with employees also they have to respect the leaders and also have to appreciate
their training producer as this will result in smooth working of the company.
These programs are given just to encourage their employees and they are not for profit
earning to the company. Corporate social responsibility is the obligation on every company and
they have to follow the procedure to encourage employees and motivate them to learn something
useful which helps them, to improve their learning skills and their own capabilities to Handel the
task and challenges which comes in the near future. There should be training session to guide
them how to face the challenge and to overcome from the problems and also to rebalance their
working structure in the organisation.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ali, W., Frynas, J.G. and Mahmood, Z., 2017. Determinants of corporate social responsibility
(CSR) disclosure in developed and developing countries: A literature review. Corporate
Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. 24(4). pp.273-294.
Bakir, A. and et.al., 2015. A preliminary investigation of the reliability and validity of Hofstede’s
cross cultural dimensions. In Proceedings of the 2000 Academy of Marketing Science
(AMS) Annual Conference. (pp. 226-232). Springer, Cham.
Booth, A., Sutton, A. and Papaioannou, D., 2016. Systematic approaches to a successful
literature review. Sage.
Chang, T.H., and et.al., 2017. Cultural issues in adventure programming: applying Hofstede’s
five dimensions to assessment and practice. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor
Learning. 17(4). pp.307-320.
Crane, A., Matten, D. and Spence, L. eds., 2019. Corporate social responsibility: Readings and
cases in a global context. Routledge.
Crowther, D. and Seifi, S. eds., 2018. Redefining Corporate Social Responsibility. Emerald
Group Publishing.
Dias, A., Rodrigues, L.L. and Craig, R., 2016. Global financial crisis and corporate social
responsibility disclosure. Social Responsibility Journal. 12(4). pp.654-671.
Gunkel, M., Schlaegel, C. and Taras, V., 2016. Cultural values, emotional intelligence, and
conflict handling styles: A global study. Journal of World Business.51(4). pp.568-585.
Hart, C., 2018. Doing a literature review: Releasing the research imagination. Sage.
Jha, A. and Cox, J., 2015. Corporate social responsibility and social capital. Journal of Banking
& Finance. 60. pp.252-270.
Khlif, H., 2016. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions in accounting research: a review. Meditari
Accountancy Research. 24(4). pp.545-573.
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Kim, K.H., Kim, M. and Qian, C., 2018. Effects of corporate social responsibility on corporate
financial performance: A competitive-action perspective. Journal of Management. 44(3).
pp.1097-1118.
Kim, S., 2017. National culture and public service motivation: investigating the relationship
using Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions. International Review of Administrative
Sciences. 83(1_suppl). pp.23-40.
Lins, K.V., Servaes, H. and Tamayo, A., 2017. Social capital, trust, and firm performance: The
value of corporate social responsibility during the financial crisis. The Journal of
Finance. 72(4). pp.1785-1824.
Manchanda, P., 2017. Corporate social Responsibility: Inventiveness by various
enterprises. JIMS8M: The Journal of Indian Management & Strategy. 22(3). pp.4-11.
McWilliams, A., 2015. Corporate social responsibility. Wiley encyclopedia of management.
pp.1-4.
Quarshie, A.M., Salmi, A. and Leuschner, R., 2016. Sustainability and corporate social
responsibility in supply chains: The state of research in supply chain management and
business ethics journals. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management. 22(2). pp.82-97.
Online -
Mallen Baker,2019.Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility.[Online].Available
Through<http://mallenbaker.net/article/clear-reflection/definitions-of-corporate-social-
responsibility-what-is-csr>
What is Literature Review.2014.[Online].Available
Through<https://ar.cetl.hku.hk/am_literature_reviews.htm>
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