BUS 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Geert Hofstede, Masculinity, Individualism
Chap 4 cont
What is an ethical system?
• Ethical systems - a set of moral principles, or values, that are used to guide and shape behavior
• The ethical practices of individuals within a culture are often closely intertwined with their
religion
Language
• Countries differ in terms of language or means of communication
• There are two forms language
o Spoken
o Unspoken
• Language is one of the defining characteristics of culture
Education
• Formal education is the medium through which individuals learn many of the language,
conceptual, and mathematical skills that are indispensable in a modern society
• The knowledge base, training, and educational opportunities available to a country's citizens can
also give it a competitive advantage in the market and make it a more or less attractive place for
expanding business
• The general education level of a country is a good indicator of the types of products that might
sell in that location or the type of promotional materials that might be successful
Culture and the Workplace
How does a society's culture impact on the values found in the workplace?
Geert Hofstede isolated four dimensions that summarized different cultures
1. Power distance
2. Individualism versus collectivism
3. Uncertainty avoidance
4. Masculinity versus femininity
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Document Summary
What is an ethical system: ethical systems - a set of moral principles, or values, that are used to guide and shape behavior, the ethical practices of individuals within a culture are often closely intertwined with their religion. Language: countries differ in terms of language or means of communication, there are two forms language, spoken, unspoken. Language is one of the defining characteristics of culture. Geert hofstede isolated four dimensions that summarized different cultures: power distance. Individualism versus collectivism: uncertainty avoidance, masculinity versus femininity. Power distance - how a society deals with the fact that people are unequal in physical and intellectual capabilities. Individualism versus collectivism - the relationship between the individual and his or her fellows. Uncertainty avoidance - the extent to which different cultures socialize their members into accepting ambiguous situations and tolerating ambiguity. Masculinity versus femininity - the relationship between gender and work roles.
