1. Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind
By Geert Hofstede
Presented by:
Natalie Balaziuk, Beth Roszkowski, Michelle Yeager

2. Hofstede’s Background
Born in Netherlands in 1928
Founded and managed the Personnel Research Department of IBM Europe
Co-founder of IRIC (Institute for Research on Intercultural Cooperation
Most cited non-American in the field of Management in the US Social Sciences Citation Index

3. Software of the Mind 101 Hofstede’s intent
Mental Programs: Software of the Mind
Three levels of Mental Programs
What does this mean?
Memory and Forgetting (Knowledge Structures)

4. Studies IBM Study Conducted in 1974
IBM employees-50 countries and 3 multicountry regions
National Cultures
Dimensions
IRIC Study
Conducted
20 organizational units in 2 countries
Organizational Culture
Dimensions

5. Dimensions of National Culture
Power Distance
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Masculinity vs. Femininity
Uncertainty Avoidance
Confucian Dynamism (Long-term orientation vs. Short-term orientation)

6. Power Distance Large Power Distance Employees afraid of bosses
Depend on their bosses
Large emotional distance
Small Power Distance
Approach and challenge bosses
Bosses consult with staff
Small emotional distance

7. Individualism vs. Collectivism
Interests of the individual outweigh the interests of the group
Individual is independent
One must look after himself/herself
Collectivism
Interests of the group outweigh the interests of the individual
Group is one’s identity
Group=protection

8. Individualism vs. Collectivism (Ranking)
Personal time
Freedom
Challenge
Collectivism
Training
Physical conditions
Use of skills

9. Masculinity vs. Femininity
Social gender roles are defined
Men are assertive & tough
Women are modest & concerned with quality of life
High difference between the genders
Femininity
Social gender roles overlap
Men and women are both modest & concerned with quality of life
Little difference between genders

10. Masculinity vs. Femininity (Ranking)
Earnings
Recognition
Advancement
Challenge
Femininity
Manager
Cooperation
Living area
Employment security

11. Uncertainty Avoidance
Strong uncertainty avoidance vs. Weak uncertainty avoidance
Uncertainty avoidance  Risk avoidance
Unique coping mechanisms
Stress among men and women

12. Confucian Dynamism AKA- long-term vs. short-term orientation
5th dimension revealed through another study- Chinese value survey (CVS)
Administered to 100 students in 23 countries
Findings of study
Related to economic growth

13. Confucian Dynamism (Ratings)
Long-term orientation
Persistence
Ordering relationships by status and observing this order
Thrift
Having a sense of shame
=High economic growth
Short-term orientation
Personal steadiness and stability
Protecting one’s “face”
Respect for tradition
Reciprocation of greetings, favors, and gifts
=Less economic growth

14. IRIC Study IBM vs. IRIC National Values vs. Organizational Practices
Organizational Practices as “Communities of Practice”

15. Dimensions of Organizational Practice
Process-Oriented vs. Results-Oriented
Employee-Oriented vs. Job-Oriented
Parochial vs. Professional
Open System vs. Closed System
Loose Control vs. Tight Control
Pragmatic vs. Normative

16. Practical Implications of IRIC Findings
Structural Changes
Process Changes
Personnel Changes
Cultural Training

17. Critiques Positive Negative Well reviewed
Hofstede succeeds in his main goal
Timely publication of Culture’s Consequences
Negative
Limits of study
Sweeping generalizations
Western bias
IRIC study-criticisms

18. Discussion
Where do you think the United States ranks among the five dimensions of national culture?
Do you think national values can change over time?
What are the practical implications of these findings?
Do you think that increasing globalization and advancements in technology will lead to a narrower spectrum of national values?
Is it possible for someone to identify with more than one national culture?

19. Sources Consulted:
Bing, John W. (2004). Hofstede’s consequences: The impact of his work on consulting and business practices. Academy of Management Executive, 18 (1),
Hofstede, Geert. (1991). Cultures & organizations: Software of the mind: Intercultural cooperation and its importance for survival. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hofstede, Geert. Geert Hofstede about himself. (n.d.) Retrieved November 2004 from
Hoppe, Michael H. (2004). An interview with Geert Hofstede. Academy of Management Executive, 18 (1),
International Business Center. Geert Hofstede. (n.d.) Retrieve November 2004 from

20. Sources Consulted (cont.):
Kieser, Alfred. (1994). Book reviews. Organization Studies, 15 (3),
Mintu, Alma T. (1993). Cultures and organizations. Journal of International Business
Studies, 23 (2),
Mumford, Alice. (1992). Cultures and organizations. Industrial & Commercial Training, 24 (2), vi-vii.
Søndergaard, Mikael. (1994). Research note: Hofstede’s consequences: a study of
reviews, citations, and replications. Organization Studies, 15 (3),
Torrington, Derek. (1992). Book reviews. Employee Relations, 14 (3),
Triandis, Harry C. (1993). Reviews on cultural phenomena. Administrative Science
Quarterly, 38 (1),