Ldg in Dvrse & Glbl Context

3.2 Discussion. The GLOBE Study & Cultural Dimensions

Getting Started

Perhaps no researcher has done more to help explain the ways that societies organize themselves than Dutch researcher Geert Hofstede. For this assignment, we will explore what Hofstede referred to as the 6-D model of national culture. Some of these cultural dimensions (like collectivism vs. individualism) may be a bit familiar to you. Others may not. But global leaders who do not develop a firm understanding of these cultural dimensions are, well, likely doomed to fail in their interactions with followers from other cultures. Many American multinational corporations lose enormous sums of money precisely because they send leaders from the U.S. to lead company divisions or subsidiaries in other cultures, only to have to bring many of them back home to the U.S. because of an inability to navigate the cultural differences.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Explain Hofstede's cultural value dimensions and how they influence societal values and behaviors.

Instructions

1. Explore in depth the  Geert Hofstede web page (new tab) . Be intentional in reviewing each of the six cultural dimensions described and view the short videos for each of them.

2. Then, navigate to  The GLOBE Project (new tab)  and use the Culture Visualization tool to familiarize yourself with the cultural values of several different countries. Compare the U.S., for example, to other countries you may have visited (or hope to visit).

3. In your initial post (300-400 words) and based on the assigned materials, choose two of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (Example: Power Distance, Femininity/Masculinity). Define and explain each cultural dimension (be careful: femininity and masculinity culture dimensions may not mean what you think they mean).

. Note: It will be helpful if students select different dimensions. In other words, we will not get the best discussion and benefit if everyone picks the exact same dimensions. Before you make your post, take a quick look at what might have already been posted and consider selecting different dimensions or dimensions that have received less attention than others.

4. Then, using the Culture Visualization tool, compare and contrast your selected cultural dimensions for three different countries.

. Similar note: Take a look at what others might have already posted (country selections) and consider making different selections. The variety of dimensions and countries selected by the class will add to the value of this workshop’s discussion.

5. Finally, analyze ways that a leader from one of your chosen three countries could use an understanding of the cultural dimensions of the other two countries in ways that would help them lead more effectively.