Question

Compare two countries how the culture of those country enhances or impedes your understanding of the comparison:

1. China

Uncertainty Avoidance

The dimension Uncertainty Avoidance has to do with the way that a society deals with the fact that the future can never be known: should we try to control the future or just let it happen? This ambiguity brings with it anxiety and different cultures have learnt to deal with this anxiety in different ways. The extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these is reflected in the score on Uncertainty Avoidance.

At 30 China has a low score on Uncertainty Avoidance. Truth may be relative though in the immediate social circles there is concern for Truth with a capital T and rules (but not necessarily laws) abound. None the less, adherence to laws and rules may be flexible to suit the actual situation and pragmatism is a fact of life. The Chinese are comfortable with ambiguity; the Chinese language is full of ambiguous meanings that can be difficult for Western people to follow. Chinese are adaptable and entrepreneurial. At the time of writing the majority (70% -80%) of Chinese businesses tend to be small to medium sized and family owned.

2. South Korea

Uncertainty Avoidance

The dimension Uncertainty Avoidance has to do with the way that a society deals with the fact that the future can never be known: should we try to control the future or just let it happen? This ambiguity brings with it anxiety and different cultures have learned to deal with this anxiety in different ways. The extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these is reflected in the score on Uncertainty Avoidance.

At 85 South Korea is one of the most uncertainty avoiding countries in the world. Countries exhibiting high Uncertainty Avoidance maintain rigid codes of belief and behavior and are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas. In these cultures, there is an emotional need for rules (even if the rules never seem to work) time is money, people have an inner urge to be busy and work hard, precision and punctuality are the norms, innovation may be resisted, security is an important element in individual motivation.

Answer 1

Comparing the two countries and their culture on the dimension of Uncertainty avoidance enhances my understanding of their culture. The comparison shows that the Chinese society and culture has a low score on Uncertainty avoidance meaning they tackle the challenges and opportunities as they come and do not mind ambiguity in the situations. They find themselves experienced and mature to deal with any unpredictable events and circumstances. They do not prefer rigid structures and flexibility is maintained to deal with any unforeseen ideas or situations. It is important while dealing with them to get complete information regarding the product or service in focus and maintain regular communication for building understanding and get idea of the actual situation or challenges expected in future.

South Korea has a higher score on uncertainty avoidance indicating that it is a society and culture which works on thorough planning and structure. Unexpected events and circumstances are not preferred. They like to prepare in advance for any unforeseen circumstances or situations. Adherence to rules and beliefs makes them feel secure and avoid unpredictability. In such societies regular communication and information shared beforehand will lead to better understanding and relationships. It will ensure a smooth and secure interaction with their people making them comfortable and ready to deal in business.