Hofstede Cultural Dimensions

Country	Abbreviation	GNI/cap	PDI	IDV	MAS	UAI	LTO
United States	USA	34,870	40	91	62	46	29
Ireland	IRE	23,060	28	70	68	35	43
Greece	GRE	11,780	60	35	57	112

                This chart is a model of Hofstede's Five Dimensions of National Culture. This model helps to explain the basic value differences between  The two countries that I will be mostly comparing are the United States and Ireland. Greece will also be compared and used as another example. First off, in order to understand this chart, you will need to know what each category represents. The five dimensions are power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and long term orientation.  

                The PDI (power distance) is "the extent to which less powerful members of a society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally" (De Mooij 60-61).  USA scores a 40 on this dimension ,while IRE scores a 28. Both of these scores can be considered low. A low score usually suggests that authority can have a negative connotation. There is a higher focus on equality in rights and independence. GRE (60) has a much higher score then USA and IRE. A higher score suggests that in Greece, they value the respect of elders much more, and there is a greater social distance between individuals. These individuals in countries with a high PDI score are raised to be dependent on themselves.

                The IDV (individualism/collectivism) is defined as "people looking after themselves and their immediate family only, versus people belonging to in-groups that look after them in exchange for loyalty" (De Mooij 61-62). USA scores a very high 91, while IRE has a high score of 70 as well. This score shows how America is a very individualistic country. Looking at GRE (35), their score is very low. Individuals from GRE would be much more likely to stick to their specific social system in which they belong. If an individual of a country with a low IDV score did something negative, it would not only affect them, but bring shame to their social group as well. This is much different then USA and IRE, where individual decisions are valued much more then group ones.

                The MAS ( masculinity/femininity) is defined as : "The dominant values in a masculine society are achievement and success; the dominant values in a feminine society are caring for others and quality of life" (De Mooij 65). USA ( 62), IRE (68), and GRE (57) all score relatively close in this dimension. Achievement and performance are essential in masculine cultures. These scores fall around the middle, meaning all three countries have a mixture of masculinity and femininity. In masculine cultures, being a winner is considered to be a positive thing. In feminine cultures, it would be viewed negatively.

                The UAI (uncertainty avoidance) is defined as "the extent to which people feel threatened by uncertainty and ambiguity and try to avoid these situations" (De Mooij 67). USA (46) and IRE (35) score somewhat low on this dimension. GRE has a very high score of 112. Cultures with a high uncertainty avoidance tend to need rules and formality to structure life. People in these cultures usually have a higher level of tension and anxiety. Greece would be a perfect example of this type of cultures. Cultures with lower scores such as Ireland and the United States tend to hide their emotions better.

                The LTO (long-term orientation) is "the extent to which a society exhibits a pragmatic future-oriented perspective rather than a conventional historic or short-term point of view" (De Mooij 69). USA has a very low score of 29 and IRE has a score of 43. GRE does not have a LTO score. Countries with a high score in this dimension have values that include long-term orientation and having a sense of shame. The United States and Ireland would be the opposite of this. They would be more focused on short-term orientation and respect for traditions and gifts. Cultures such as China and Japan have high scores in this dimension, and have strong value in their reverence for nature.