MGFC10H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Geert Hofstede, Baby Boomers, Job Satisfaction
Document Summary
Values: a broad tendency to prefer certain states of affairs over others. Values are (cid:373)oti(cid:448)atio(cid:374)al, a(cid:374)d shape ho(cid:449) (cid:449)e should or should(cid:374) t (cid:271)eha(cid:448)e. Japanese perceive work as a very central life interest, whereas british score low. Geert hofstede questioned 116,000 ibm employees in 40 countries about work related values, discovering 4 basic dimensions. Power distance: the extent to which an unequal distribution of power is accepted by society members. Uncertainty avoidance: the extent to which people are uncomfortable with uncertain and ambiguous situations. Individualism vs collectivism: individualistic societies stress independence, individual initiative, and privacy. Collective cultures favour interdependence and loyalty to family or clan. Long term/short term orientation: cultures with long term stress persistence, perseverance, thrift. A good fit between company practices and host culture is important in creating good work environments. Cross cultural differences must be examined closely before moving into a different country.
