Individualistic or collectivist?

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 543.

Hierarchical or egalitarian?

Working across Cultures

Working, entertaining, negotiating and corresponding with colleagues from different cultures can be quite difficult. One misunderstanding could have a negative effect on months of work. Understanding intercultural differences can help communication with colleagues from other cultures. According to Hofstede, if we compare the key factors in our own culture with those in another culture, we can predict possible difficulties.

Some cultures, like Malaysia and Indonesia, are hierarchical with a caste or class system; and there is often a big difference in wealth between individuals. At work, employees respect authority, don't usually take responsibility and have a formal relationship with their manager. Other cultures, like Australia and Denmark, are more liberal and egalitarian. Managers give their employees responsibility and often socialize with them.

Individualistic cultures, such as the US and the Netherlands, think that individual rights and freedom of speech are important. Personal goals, choices and achievements are encouraged. In more collectivist cultures, such as Korea and Colombia, this self-centred approach is discouraged. The group, such as the family, has a big influence on people's lives and is often seen as more important than business. Companies have a strong work group mentality and praise is given to teams rather than individuals.