Cross Cultural Communication. Cultural Dimensions Proposed by Prof. Geert Hofstede

Cross Cultural Communication
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Cultural Dimensions Proposed by Prof.
Geert Hofstede
Introduction
We live in an age where cross-cultural interactions are at a very advanced stage. This process is relative to the fact that globalization has integrated the relationships between different countries and cultures. Organizations are now conducting their business across the globe, which means interacting with different cultures across different regions. This is the same case when it comes to the different governments, as they interact in the different global business and policy developments. Given the platforms created through globalization, business can interact with other business and even different potential clients across the globe. This is also the case when it comes to individuals who want to move to other countries and different regions across the globe for work, study or even leisure (Rinuastuti, Hadiwidjojo, Rohman & Khusniyah, 2014). There have been different research ideologies over the years that have been developed to mimic the situation with cross-cultural communication. However, one of the most crucial one and that has been applied widely academically and professionally is one by Professor Geert Hofstede. In his Model, Professor Hofstede developed a six-dimension model to form the framework of cross-cultural communication. This is a model that brings out the values of the members of any given society. These values also affect how the members of society behave. In the original model there were four dimensions, and later on, Hofstede added two more to make the six dimension model. It is a model that best helps evaluate the differences in culture between the United States and the Chinese culture (Scull, 2017).
Globalization
Globalization is a platform that has transformed the way that different regions in the world interact. From the government level to the individual level, different levels of cultural interactions and even integration of process is now possible. However, there is a need to understand how the various values of the different cultures impact the interactions between the different regions and countries. These define the level of integration of the various processes. These are processes that include government interactions, policy development, business integration and even individual interaction at the bottom-most level (Xiumei & Jinying, 2011). Different countries and regions have different resources that they can share with the rest of the world. They have different skills as well, and these differences make the basis for the interactions that exist and therefore the thriving basis for globalization. Conducting business between the west and the east can be considered as the best example for cross-cultural integration. This is relative to the fact that, the western nations are guided by a different cultural background when compared to the countries in the East. To put this in perspective, the Chinese culture is largely different from the American culture (Xiumei & Jinying, 2011). From the individual level all the way to the reflection of the same at the society level of interaction. The western culture for example which the American culture is based on, largely relates to individualism, while the eastern culture largely relates to collectivism. These are extended to the economies where the American culture is associated with capitalism, and the Chinese economy is associated with the communist approach (Xiumei & Jinying, 2011). As such, all the interactions that the two economies have must put these differences into considerations especially where business and communication is concerned to reduce complications associated with the different cultural values that impact all the areas of interaction between the two countries. The dimensions that were established by Professor Geert Hofstede are the basis for understanding the differences that exist between the two cultures.
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory
Professor Geert Hofstede is credited with the development of the Six Cultural Dimensions Theory. This is a theory that illustrates the differences between different cultures relative to the values that they hold. The values are part of what determines the way that different cultures behave in any given situation. They also reflect the individual values and the way that the same are reflected throughout the society (Hofstede Insights, 2018). Hofstede had been working with IBM when he developed the dimensions. He was working within the personal development research department in Europe where he worked with large surveys to try and determine the values of the different subsidiaries at the national level and concerning the influence that the company at the multinational level. He compared the different IBM employees from various countries where the company had subsidiaries. It is interesting to note that to this day, these remains as one of the largest surveys to be conducted on the cultural differences across the globe. He first was able to develop four dimensions which are power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individual as well as masculinity. These were developed concerning the different ways that national society handles elements such as uncertainty, inequality, and relationships among others (Hofstede Insights, 2018). He would, later on, add the fifth dimension that is the long-term orientation and the sixth which is the self-restraint versus indulgence.
Theory Dimensions
Power Distance Index (PDI)
This is a dimension that relates to the way that any given society handles the element of inequality. One of the aspects to consider is that there is a strong relationship that exists between money and power about inequality. The society considers the element of inequality as a way of life. This means these societies consider the element of inequality as something that cannot be avoided and as such forms the basis upon which the society thrives (Hofstede Insights, 2018). To put this into perspective, in a society such as these, there are even structures that point to what class one belongs relative to the proper and money that they wielder or that of their families. As such, where one is born of a lower class, they are designated to live in this state for the rest of their lives. More importantly is that their interactions with the people in the higher levels are also restricted naturally. As such, the rest of their generations will be separated by the predetermined structure put in place to highlight the different structures. For example, a caste system is one that can be ranked the highest about the power and distance scale. In the lower castes are those people that have least levels of power at their disposal within the society. In societies where the structures laid out in the cultural dynamics which limit people from different levels to interact, these can be considered to have a large degree of power distance. In societies where the degree of power and distance is minimal, people strive to achieve equality. As such, the element of equality is handled differently (Hofstede Insights, 2018). It is interesting to note that the United States and China are different when it comes to the power distance dimension. Because the United States has a lower power distance compared to China. The latter is ranked at an estimated 80 on the PDI. This means that it is more rigid on the element of inequality within the society. The powerful remain powerful and as justified while those in lower ranks are supposed to subject to their situation and remain content with irregular distribution of power and class differences. These are differences that accepted in the Chinese culture, where some of the people are advantaged and considered superior to others in a polarized manner. In the American society, however, the element of power and equality takes a different approach. In the American society, races and people from different backgrounds are constantly striving to be equal, meaning that there are not inequalities; rather it means that the cultural values are developed in such a way that, the people are constantly trying to achieve power regardless of their cultural, racial, gender, religious or even their sexual orientation (Hofstede Insights, 2018). There is no limit to what one can achieve in the American society. This can explain the basis for the phrase; American dream. As such, people can question those in power and even aspire to rise above their ranks to take that power. Today America boasts of having immigrants among the government officials, highest paid musicians, actors and athletes among other high ranking people in the society. There is no limit to what one can achieve in the American society. The Chinese culture, however, is accepting of the differences in social order, where some of the people are relegated to the lower ranks for the rest of their lives and are taught to accept that. This makes the element of equality among the people forced and limited to one's abilities and more importantly aspirations in life.
Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV)
It is a dimension that relates to the strengths in ties that people have toward the community that they belong to. Different societies have different values when it comes to the personal identity and the connection that one has in their society. There are those societies that value the connection between an individual and their society and there are those that do not. In the latter case, the individual is not tied down by the obligations of their society or their community (Hofstede Insights, 2018). They are allowed to form their part and be a representation of their spirit and aspirations. This is a society where people at the individual level take very little responsibilities for the actions of others or the so...