Critical Evaluation of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions for Business

This essay provides a critical evaluation of Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, a framework for understanding cross-cultural communication. It begins with an introduction to Hofstede's six cultural dimensions, including power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity vs. femininity, short-term vs. long-term orientation, and restraint vs. indulgence. The main body of the essay then critically analyzes suggestions made in an article related to these dimensions, focusing on their impact on business environments and employee interactions. The essay then discusses the author's agreement and disagreement with specific dimensions, justifying their position with supporting arguments. Finally, the essay offers suggestions for enhancing business operations and functions based on Hofstede's theory, emphasizing the importance of collectivism, future planning, and market analysis. The conclusion summarizes the key points, emphasizing the importance of organizational culture and effective cross-cultural communication for business success.

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
1.Critically evaluate the suggestions made in the article on Hofstede's cultural dimension.......3
2.Which do you agree with and which do you disagree with? Justify your position..................4
3.Are there any suggestion would you like to make?.................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFRENCES ..................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Hofstede's culture dimension theory is developed by Greet Hofstede and it refers to a
framework or guidelines which is introduce for conducting communication at cross-cultural in
effective and appropriate manner. By this theory company able to analysis impact of culture of
society on its staff members (Beugelsdijk, Maseland and Van Hoorn, 2015). Respective theory is
mainly divided into six categories that are Power distance index, Collectivism vs. individualism,
Uncertainty avoidance index, Femininity vs. Masculinity, Short term vs. Long term Orientation
and Restraint vs. Indulgence. Topics which are explained in this reports are critically evaluation
and analysis of suggestions which is given in article. Along with this it contain explanation
related to agree and disagree dimension and suggestion for improvement in activities.
MAIN BODY
1.Critically evaluate the suggestions made in the article on Hofstede's cultural dimension
Hofstede's Cultural Dimension theory is used by an organisation in order to develop
effective communication between employees within a diversified culture. It is also responsibility
of employer to develop strategies and plans in order to develop strategies accordingly so that all
cultures employees communicate with each other in effective and appropriate manner. According
to respective article author there are six culture dimensions through with four of them have
profound impact on business environment of a company. These four are individualism vs.
collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity vs. femininity. According to
which below are some suggestions mentioned:-
 Individualism vs. collectivism – According to this theory Hofstede's Cultural Dimension
theory is based on those employees who are self oriented and work according to them.
Individualism refers to situation which consider or represent to achievements of an
individual (Lee, Trimi and Kim, 2013). Where as collectivism refers to a situation when
whole organisation is working together in respect of an individual. In this company able
to attain there goal in more effective manner. So it is suggested to an organisation to
conduct its work or task in collectivism basis.
 Power distance – It refers to situation within a workplace when two employees of same
position have different level of power. This will show equality and discrimination
between employees on basis of power. Due to which moral and motivation level of

employees get decreased that directly affect on productivity and profitability of
employees. So it is responsibilities of manager to allocate power between employees in
effective and appropriate manner which leads to increase in productivity in effective
manner.
 Uncertainty avoidance – It refers to situation which is unknown and unannounced sue to
which productivity of employees get affected (Matusitz and Musambira, 2013). So it is
suggested to manager of an organisation to do analysis of market as well as work culture
on regular basis in order to develop strategies and plans in effective manner.
 Masculinity vs. femininity – It is a situation where employer do discrimination between
male and female employees on the basis of there work, salary, role and responsibilities
and many more. So it is suggested to employer to develop strategies and policies in
effective manner in order to develop equality among every employees in effective and
appropriate manner.
2.Which do you agree with and which do you disagree with? Justify your position
According to the article which is given there are major four dimensions of Hofstede's
culture dimensioned theory and form these I am agree on some dimensions as well as disagree on
some. Dimension on which I am agree are uncertainty avoidance because it is not possible for
every employees to follow culture of all countries where they are working. Due to this
organization supply its products and services in several nation without they follow their culture.
Where as there are some factors on which I am not agree such as individualism. This is
so because it is not possible for anyone in an organisation to work according to a person in every
aspects and it is also not possible to accomplish work without develop proper goal and
objectives. Along with this, there is another point on which I am disagree that is power distance
which is occur in an organisation while making any decision. This is so because some employer
not involve every employees in decision making process in effective manner.
3.Are there any suggestion would you like to make?
For enhancing business operation and function in effective manner on day to day basis
there are several suggestion for an organization in prospective of Hofstede's cultural dimension
theory. Some major of them are mentioned below:-
 By Individualism an organisation able to motivate its staffs and increase there interest
towards conducting work in effective and appropriate manner. But this factor is not

appropriate for a company for a long term because by assistance or guidance of an
individual, it is not possible to attain goal and objectives in effective manner at a
workplace (Mazanec and et.al., 2015). So that it is responsibilities of manger to apply
collectivism at there workplace.
 It is also suggested to an organization to develop plans in future basis so that they can
tackle any situation in effective manner. They must also consider those situation which
are uncertain while developing plans and strategies. By this employees also able to work
in effective manner and attain there goal and objectives in effective and appropriate
manner. Manger also analysis its products and operations process so that they may avoid
unnecessary steps from process in effective manner.
Above mentioned are some suggestion which is essential for an organisation so that they
can attain there goal and objectives in effective as well as efficient manner. Along with this they
also able to motivate its employees and encourage them in accomplishing work or task in
effective manner. Company also develop positive and effective working environment.
CONCLUSION
From above discussed point it can be conclude and evaluate that for developing and
running a business in effective and appropriate manner, company need to maintain there
organisation culture in appropriate way in order to conduct attain goal and objectives in proper
ways. Organization culture of a company is mainly based on values, behaviours and norms. In
an organisation each and every employees is crucial and important for developing health as well
as positive working environment at a workplace. Is also essential for an organisation to maintain
proper communication with in cross culture environment for which they can use Hofstede's
Cultural Dimension theory at there workplace. Through this company able to get various
advantage or benefits while operating there business at world wide market.
REFRENCES
Books and journals

Beugelsdijk, S., Maseland, R. and Van Hoorn, A., 2015. Are Scores on H ofstede's Dimensions
of National Culture Stable over Time? A Cohort Analysis. Global Strategy Journal.
5(3). pp.223-240.
Lee, S. G., Trimi, S. and Kim, C., 2013. The impact of cultural differences on technology
adoption. Journal of world business. 48(1). pp.20-29.
Matusitz, J. and Musambira, G., 2013. Power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and technology:
analyzing Hofstede's dimensions and human development indicators. Journal of
Technology in Human Services. 31(1). pp.42-60.
Mazanec, J. A. and et.al., 2015. Homogeneity versus heterogeneity of cultural values: An item-
response theoretical approach applying Hofstede's cultural dimensions in a single
nation. Tourism Management. 48. pp.299-304.
Shao, R. and et.al., 2013. Employee justice across cultures: A meta-analytic review. Journal of
Management. 39(1). pp.263-301.