Managing Across Borders: Cultural Profile and Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

Running Head: MANAGING ACROSS BORDERS 0
MANAGING ACROSS BORDERS
(student name)
12-9-2018

MANAGING ACROSS BORDERS 1
Contents
Part A...............................................................................................................................................2
Cultural profile.............................................................................................................................2
China........................................................................................................................................2
Poland......................................................................................................................................2
South Africa.............................................................................................................................2
Hofstede’s cultural dimensions....................................................................................................2
Dimension 1: Power distance index........................................................................................5
Dimension 2: Individualism versus collectivism.....................................................................5
Dimension 3: Masculinity versus femininity...........................................................................6
Part B...............................................................................................................................................7
Introduction..................................................................................................................................7
Recommendation 1......................................................................................................................7
Recommendation 2......................................................................................................................7
Recommendation 3......................................................................................................................8
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................8
References........................................................................................................................................9

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Part A
Cultural profile
China
Culture plays important role in China because the demographics rapidly change in the country.
The age distribution and population growth fluctuate a lot. The county has a collectivistic
culture. Literacy rate in the country in more than 90 %, due to the country focus is more on
education (pestleanalysis, 2018).
Poland
Poland culture considers various parameters like human development index, which was 0.813,
which tends to be ranked at 39 out of 187 nations. The country is considered an outsourcing hub,
but expenditure on research and development is low and this could hamper innovation in the
nation (Gugin, 2018)
South Africa
A nation with more than 49.99 million population, it is a multicultural country, with various
religions and cultures, the, however, the maximum population is Christian. Moreover, education
is always a priority for the nation to spend. Most importantly, the residents are not attracted
towards saving their income and planning future, they are more interested in spending money
according to their requirement and desires. (CultureWizard, 2018)
Hofstede’s cultural dimensions
Culture plays a vital role, while investing in any nation, to study the culture of a nation; one of
the most popular theory is Hofstede’s cultural dimension, for which five factors are described in
which the cultures of two or more countries are compared

MANAGING ACROSS BORDERS 3
1. Power Distance Index – this dimension is helpful in understanding the power distribution
in a nation, it explains residents attitude of culture regarding inequalities in society. The
acceptance of inequalities are included under this index (Brass, 2017)
2. Individualism Versus Collectivism – this dimension explain the degree to which
interdependence that a society tends to maintain among the members
3. Masculinity Versus Femininity – this dimension of this model indicates that a higher
score is signed masculine society driven by achievement, competition, and success.
Whereas a low score indicates feminine society, which explains dominant values where
care for others and life quality (Bakir & Rose, 2015).
4. Uncertainty avoidance index – this dimension concern about the way society believe
about the uncertain future, and if they should let that happen or try to control an uncertain
situation. The threaten feel due to uncertainty is indicated through this dimension
5. Long versus short-term orientation – this dimension with low score indicates that time-
honored norms and traditions are maintained while considering a change in society with
suspicion. Whereas the high score of this index means the pragmatic approach of society
6. Indulgence versus restraint – this last dimension of the cultural model indicates the extent
to which an individual tries to handle their impulses and desires. Week control means
indulgence and strong control over desires mean restraint (Triandis, 2017).