Question

Chapter 5 describes in some detail the six dimensions of Hofstede’s cultural taxonomy. In an essay, reflect on your own culture, which you will cite, and answer the following questions:

1) How is the individualism-collectivism dimension (i.e., the degree to which a culture depends on the self or the group) displayed in your culture? Include personal examples in your answer.

2) How is the uncertainty avoidance dimension (i.e., the degree to which ambiguity and uncertainty are avoided) displayed in your culture? Include personal examples in your answer.

3) How is the power distance dimension (i.e., status difference, or social hierarchy) displayed in your culture? Include personal examples in your answer.

4) How is the masculinity-femininity dimension (i.e., status difference, or social hierarchy) displayed in your culture? Include personal examples in your answer.

5) How is the time orientation dimension (i.e., long-term versus short-term outlook) displayed in your culture? Include personal examples in your answer.

6) How is the indulgence versus restraint dimension (i.e., hedonism versus self-discipline) displayed in your culture? Include personal examples in your answer.

Answer 1

Here I would like to explore the Indian culture through the lens of 6-Dimesnsion model as proposed by Hofstede.

1. First I will discuss the Individual-collective dimension. The fundamental issue addressed by this dimension is the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members. It has to do with whether people´s self-image is defined in terms of “I” or “We”. In Individualist societies people are supposed to look after themselves and their direct family only. In Collectivist societies people belong to ‘in groups’ that take care of them in exchange for loyalty.

India is a society that marked with both collectivistic and Individualist traits. The collectivist dimension describes that there is a greater preference among people for belonging to a larger social framework. In such situations, the actions of the individual are influenced by various things such as the opinion of one’s family, extended family, neighbours, work group and other such wider social networks. Likewise, the Individualist aspect of Indian society is seen as a result of its dominant religion/philosophy called Hinduism. The Hindus believe in a cycle of death and rebirth, with the manner of each rebirth being dependent upon how the individual lived the preceding life. People are, therefore, individually responsible for the way they lead their lives and the impact it will have upon their rebirth.

2. The Uncertainty Avoidance Dimension deals with a society's tolerance for ambiguity. It indicates to what extent a culture programs its members to feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations. Unstructured situations are novel, unknown, surprising, uncertain and different from usual. Uncertainty avoiding cultures try to minimize the possibility of such situations by strict behavioural codes, laws and rules, disapproval of deviant opinions, and a belief in absolute Truth.

In the light of above discussion, it can be said that India is traditionally a patient country where tolerance for the unexpected is high; even welcomed as a break from monotony. People generally do not feel driven and compelled to take action-initiatives and comfortably settle into established rolls and routines without questioning. Rules are often in place just to be circumvented.

3. This dimension deals with the fact that all individuals in societies are not equal – it expresses the attitude of the culture towards these inequalities amongst us. Power Distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.

India has a well defined hierarchy and a top-down structure in society and organizations. Real Power is centralized in Indian society and Communication is top down and directive in its style.

4. As far as Masculinity Dimension is concerned India is actually very masculine in terms of visual display of success and power. However, India is also a spiritual country with millions of deities and various religious philosophies. It is also an ancient country with one of the longest surviving cultures which gives it ample lessons in the value of humility and abstinence. This often reigns in people from indulging in Masculine displays to the extent that they might be naturally inclined to.

5. In India the concept of “Karma” dominates religious and philosophical thought. Time is not linear, and thus is not as important as to western Society. India have a great tolerance for religious views from all over the world. Hinduism is often considered a philosophy more than even a religion; an amalgamation of ideas, views, practices and esoteric beliefs. In India there is an acceptance that there are many truths and often depends on the seeker.

6. This dimension is defined as the extent to which people try to control their desires and impulses, based on the way they were raised. Relatively weak control is called “Indulgence” and relatively strong control is called “Restraint”. Cultures can, therefore, be described as Indulgent or Restrained. In this sense, India is a culture of restrained societies in which not much emphasis was placed upon leisure time. People with this orientation have the perception that their actions are restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong.