Question

Examine Hofstede's model of national culture. Are all four dimensions still important in today's society as it relates to the success of the multinational manager? Why, or why not? Which do you think is the least important as it relates to multinational management? Why?

Your response should be at least 200 words in length.

Answer 1

Yes , It is still valid and applicable to today's society and business world. According to Greet hofstede's , national culture can be assessed against following dimensions:

1) Individualistic versus Collective

2)  Uncertainty avoidance

3) Power distance

4) Masculinity versus femininity

A Multinational manager can learn how to understand an unknown culture on the basis of these four criteria. Many cultures like Japan , India , China etc. believes in collective living and sharing emotions rather achieving something for Individualistic mean like People from Britain and other European countries. Uncertainty avoidance means how a person will be ready to bear the risks. Generally, people enjoy in a comfort zone.

Power distance means whether top management or authorities have close or a distant relationships. Masculinity-femininity refers to a society mindset about men and women roles and responsibilities. A high masculinity refers to egotism and assertiveness where as femininity implies relationships orientation.

As per Multinational management, i think masculinity-femininity will be least important as they never compromise with quality and sales target. Generally, relationships building will be crucial for long term success in business. American and even Japanese are famous for their such kind of behavior.