Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

Paper Summary:

This paper explains Hofstede's cultural dimension theory and describes the dimensions, which measure constructs of power distance, individualism, individualistic society, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. The paper points out that these cultural dimensions are a barometer of an organization's culture especially in multinational companies. The paper applies this theory to evaluating the marketing and management practices at Wal-Mart and Tesco.

Table of Contents;
Introduction
Shared Values Segmentation and Cultural Dimensions
Cultural Dimensions and Competitiveness
Pricing Strategies and Cultural Dimensions
Emergence of Cultural Intelligence and Trust as the Lasting Differentiator
Cultural Intelligence leading to Trust: The Foundation of Differentiation
Cultural Dimensions Leading to Values-Based Differentiation
Tesco's Retail Internationalization Process based on Cultural Intelligence
Quantifying Values as Differentiators: A Research Perspective
Attaining the role of Trusted Advisor in Served Markets
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Overall, the research on organizational values suggests that a researcher must rely on the value expressions or enacted values of people and organizations. In essence, organizational values are reflected in organizational practices. Research in this area has been undertaken either through qualitative studies involving one or a few organizations or through quantitative, survey-based studies involving a larger number of organizations. In most cases, though, reviews have focused on content or text analysis to identify the espoused or desired values and on surveys to determine the enactment of those values."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Keith Burgess. "Prospering in a global economy. " The Journal of the Operational Research Society 46.5 (1995): 553. ABI/INFORM Global. ProQuest. 12 May. 2008
• Aileen Cater-Steel, Mark Toleman. "The impact of national culture on software engineering practices. " International Journal of Technology Policy and Management 8.1 (2008): 76. ABI/INFORM Global. ProQuest 20 May.
• Rebecca Gatlin-Watts, Marsha Carson, Joseph Horton, Lauren Maxwell, Neil Maltby. "A guide to global virtual teaming. " Team Performance Management 13.1/2 (2007): 47-52. ABI/INFORM Global. ProQuest. 17 May. 2008
• Wen Gong, Zhan G. Li, Rodney L. Stump. "Global internet use and access: cultural considerations. " Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics 19.1 (2007): 57-74. ABI/INFORM Global. ProQuest. 16 May. 2008
• Geert Hofstede- Summary of Ideas about Cultural Differences. . 2008. From Geert Hofstede's personal website: Accessed on May 11, 2008: http://feweb.uvt.nl/center/hofstede/page3.htm

More papers on Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions:

• Analytical Essay # 134603 : "Cultural Dimensions in Business"
• Term Paper # 146516 : "Cultural Considerations in an Operations Strategy"
• Comparison Essay # 89015 : "Cultural Variation"

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