COMPARING CULTURAL VALUES
A number of important intercultural theorists (e.g. Hofstede) have suggested areas of life in which we can systematically compare the values commonly present in different societies (i.e. what is treated as important in those societies, what is respected). These areas of life are referred to by some theorists as ‘dimensions’. Some of the dimensions useful to compare are presented below in the left-hand column.
1. Compare the attitudes of two societies against these four dimensions (taken from Hofstede). Summarize in the boxes provided –
Dimension
Areas to consider and questions to ask about each culture Society 1
Society 2
Power distance
Who has authority? What type of authority? How much power do they have? (eg. parents, teachers, police, government)
Individualism versus collectivism
Are families small or large? Do people tend to make decisions alone or as a group? Does the extended family play a large role in people’s lives?
Masculinity versus femininity Does the society tend to value achievement and assertiveness? How competitive is it? Or does it tend to value co-operation, modesty and non-material things?
Indulgence versus restraint
Is self-control and not needing to seek ‘pleasure’ valued? Does the society expect people to be able to ‘let go’? How should work and play be balanced?
2. After completing the chart, identify and discuss, in complete sentences, 3 examples of areas where cultural differences concerning these dimensions could affect personal or working relationships between these two groups. Remember to use examples/ provide explanation to earn full marks.
