http://geert-hofstede.com/geert-hofstede.html
Book 3 L161 (Exploring Languages and Cultures)
Geert Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
Let's keep this simple: Geert Hofstede is a respected academic who has done massive research into how countries fare in terms of equality, individualism, competitiveness/caring nature, how much of a tangent day to day activity can go off on, how important the past is and how much money is spent on having fun.
1.
Power Distance Index
How much equality exists between individuals of a society? A LOW Power Distance
Index suggests more equality, whereas a HIGH Power Distance Index suggests less
equality. China has 80%; the UK has 35%.
2.
The Uncertainty Avoidance
Index
Many live by the saying "Que sera", but many definitely don't! Well,
in China, 30%, and in the UK, 35%. Similar! This could well suggest that both
don't mind waking up to a bit of uncertainty. Who knows what the day will
bring?!
3.
The Masculinity Dimension
What a load of archaic tosh. If your country's masculine, it is one of
competitiveness and desire for success and control. If you're of the feminine
variety, you like to make sure everything is looked after, including the Earth.
China comes in at 66%, and... wait for it... the UK also comes in at 66%. Does
this mean that the UK and China have equal amounts of respect for the Earth and
those in it? Possibly not always...
4.
The Individualism Dimension
How possible is it be to
'be yourself', and do whatever makes you feel free and happy? This is also
all about sticking to the rules, and in a country like China, this is what
happens. In higher-scoring countries, tolerance and open-mindedness
wallows. Is it 'every man for himself', or 'I work
better within a team'? In China, the stats show 20% feel individual, whereas a
whopping 89% of Brits say the same thing. Huge differences between the
cultures, as you may expect.
5.
Long Term Orientation
What is the past actually worth? Do we need to keep the memory of an old
country alive? According to the Chinese, no. 87% said that China needs to move
with the times, whilst a more reserved 51% of Brits said otherwise. With such a
middling score, it is not possible, apparently, to tell whether Long Term
Orientation is a key facet of a state.
6.
Indulgence
My favourite. The easiest one to 'get'... How much money does a country like to
spend on having a good time?! China scores a measly 24 here, suggesting that
they like to save whatever money they have, possibly indicating the importance
and potential lack of money in the everyday household. Brits, on the other
hand, clocked up a score of 69. You can't take it with you!