Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
This dimension measures how much a society accepts unequal distribution of power.
What is power distance?
This strategy aims to become the lowest-cost producer in the industry.
What is cost leadership?
This scheduling tool uses bars to show the timing and order of tasks in a project.
What is a Gantt chart?
In Japan, employees traditionally do not leave work before this person leaves.
Who is their manager / boss?
Kurt Lewin created this planning tool to weigh the forces for and against change.
What is force field analysis?
A culture that prioritizes group harmony and extended family loyalty scores high on this side of the “I vs. We” dimension.
What is collectivism?
Mercedes-Benz and Apple rely heavily on this strategy to stand out from competitors.
What is differentiation?
One advantage of Gantt charts is that they clearly show which tasks can occur under this condition.
What is concurrently (at the same time)?
Denmark, Sweden, and Vietnam are known for having low levels of this dimension, meaning they tolerate risk and ambiguity.
What is uncertainty avoidance?
In a force field analysis, these forces work to support or push forward change.
What are driving forces?
Japan scores high on this dimension traditionally associated with achievement, competition, and status.
What is masculinity (motivation toward achievement and success)?
A company that uses low prices to target a niche market is using this variation of the focus strategy.
What is cost focus?
One disadvantage of Gantt charts is that they must be frequently updated because they lack this.
What is flexibility / What is precise or dynamic?
Latin American and many Asian countries score highly on this dimension, meaning they accept hierarchy and unequal power.
What is power distance?
Lewin argued it is more useful to focus on these forces, which block or resist change.
What are restraining forces?
Societies that value patience, persistence, and long-term reward orientation score high on this dimension.
What is long-term orientation?
Porter warns that companies without a clear strategy end up in this confusing and uncompetitive position.
What is “stuck in the middle”?
Before constructing a Gantt chart, managers must identify these relationships: tasks that cannot begin until others finish.
What are dependent tasks (dependencies)?
Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden are known for high scores on this culturally “tender” dimension.
What is femininity?
Numerical weighting in force field analysis enhances this quality in decision-making.
What is objectivity?
Australia, Canada, and the U.S. tend to score high on this dimension related to enjoyment of life and freedom of expression.
What is indulgence?
Rolex, Ferrari, and Chanel exemplify this type of focus strategy by targeting a single, high-end market segment.
What is differentiation focus?
A factor, shown in a Gantt chart, that helps managers prioritize resource allocation for tasks.
What is urgency / time sensitivity?
China and Russia score low on this dimension that measures how freely people can enjoy life and express desires.
What is indulgence (vs. restraint)?
One major limitation of force field analysis is that these elements are difficult to include because they can't be easily weighted.
What are qualitative factors / non-quantifiable factors?