Question

What do you think of the various ways to differentiate among cultures? Does any of the cultural difference (power distance, uncertainty avoidance, etc) seem particularly interesting to you?

Answer 1

There are different ways that can be used to differentiate among the cultures. The first way is the different cultural dimensions that score differently in different cultures. For example, a culture in the USA, scores high in the cultural dimension of individualism and level of indulgence. But, in Japan, the culture scores high in uncertainty avoidance index and collectivism of family values. In contrast to it, India has a culture that has high value in power distance and hierarchy.  The second way is the different values and ethics system that is different for each culture.  Any act that is considered ethical (such as taking bribes), may be unethical in other cultures. So, culture is differentiated on the basis of different value and ethics system.

The cultural difference on the basis of uncertainty avoidance index, is most interesting, because it measures the attachment with the past traditions in the face of new developments and learning. In some culture, there is a significance of valuing past traditions and cultural value even if new developments are good. For example, it is China and Japan, while embracing growth. But, some cultures are willing to change while accepting new things from other cultures.  It is happening to American culture. Both type of cultures are growing, but with different objectives. Hence, this cultural difference is very interesting.