Hofstede’s cultural dimensions
Hofstede’s cultural dimensions compare patterns of national cultural values rather than classify each individual’s personality. The model developed from four dimensions—power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism and masculinity/femininity—to six with long-term orientation and indulgence/restraint. It provides hypotheses about differences that should be checked against the actual people and setting. National averages cannot establish an organisation’s culture or predict every person’s preferences.
Worked example
A multinational considers whether staff may differ in their expectations about questioning managers. It uses power-distance ideas to prepare sensitive consultation, then asks employees about actual practices rather than assigning behaviour from nationality.
Common mistake
Do not stereotype an individual from a national score or confuse national-culture dimensions with the separate Hofstede research on organisational practices. Older teaching material may present only the original four.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |