Hofstede

Geert Hofstede

When told about Geert Hofstede and trying to understand the dimensions of national and organizational culture, I looked and felt as confused as the image of Hofstede below. However, understanding this model was another way to develop my lens.

Quoted on the website, Hofstede states, "culture is the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or category of people from others"

Though the chart may seem confusing, the explanation of the categories is still salient. 

Dividing aspects of culture into individuals relationship with power, postion of the self in/out groups, societal emphasis on masculinity and avoidance of uncertainty all seem to be aspects that determine one function in a society.

Power Distance (PDI)

Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV)
Masculinity versus Femininity (MAS)
Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)

Long-Term Orientation (LTO)
Indulgence vs. Restraint (IVR)

However, I find myself asking can these individual concepts be broken down? and how do they relate to the intercultural lens that I have been building on.

Well, these specific categories demonstrate the break down of the individual in the work place setting. Illustrating how one assesses power, position, masculinity  uncertainty and self control. This specifically demonstrates the aspect of beliefs and behavior which are directly related to ones culture because the actions change based on ones relationship with their culture.

This addition to my lens allowed me to assess how my college friends handle stress in school and the structure. My influence of culture, church family and friends, has shown me the importance of power, collectivism as well as individualism in certain times, while placing restraint above most rather than indulgence.