[color=Red] " Culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy.
Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often a disaster."
Prof. Geert Hofstede, Emeritus Professor, Maastricht University.[/color]
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For those who work in international business, it is sometimes amazing how
different people in other cultures behave. We tend to have a human
instinct that 'deep inside' all people are the same - but they are not.
Therefore, if we go into another country and make decisions based on how
we operate in our own home country - the chances are we'll make some very
bad decisions.
Geert Hofstede's research gives us insights into other cultures so that
we can be more effective when interacting with people in other countries.
If understood and applied properly, this information should reduce your
level of frustration, anxiety, and concern. But most important, Geert
Hofstede will give you the 'edge of understanding' which translates to
more successful results.
To assist you in better understanding the renowned work of Prof. Geert
Hofstede, Stephen Taylor has developed a comprehensive series of Cultural
Dimension analytical graphs.
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Hofstede's five Cultural Dimensions
Power Distance Index (PDI) focuses on the degree of equality, or
inequality, between people in the country's society. A High Power
Distance ranking indicates that inequalities of power and wealth have
been allowed to grow within the society. These societies are more likely
to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility
of its citizens. A Low Power Distance ranking indicates the society
de-emphasizes the differences between citizen's power and wealth. In
these societies equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed.
Individualism (IDV) focuses on the degree the society reinforces
individual or collective achievement and interpersonal relationships. A
High Individualism ranking indicates that individuality and individual
rights are paramount within the society. Individuals in these societies
may tend to form a larger number of looser relationships. A Low
Individualism ranking typifies societies of a more collectivist nature
with close ties between individuals. These cultures reinforce extended
families and collectives where everyone takes responsibility for fellow
members of their group.
Masculinity (MAS) focuses on the degree the society reinforces, or does
not reinforce, the traditional masculine work role model of male
achievement, control, and power. A High Masculinity ranking indicates the
country experiences a high degree of gender differentiation. In these
cultures, males dominate a significant portion of the society and power
structure, with females being controlled by male domination. A Low
Masculinity ranking indicates the country has a low level of
differentiation and discrimination between genders. In these cultures,
females are treated equally to males in all aspects of the society.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) focuses on the level of tolerance for
uncertainty and ambiguity within the society - i.e. unstructured
situations. A High Uncertainty Avoidance ranking indicates the country
has a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This creates a
rule-oriented society that institutes laws, rules, regulations, and
controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty. A Low Uncertainty
Avoidance ranking indicates the country has less concern about ambiguity
and uncertainty and has more tolerance for a variety of opinions. This is
reflected in a society that is less rule-oriented, more readily accepts
change, and takes more and greater risks.
Long-Term Orientation (LTO) explains us the extent to which a society
exhibits a pragmatic future oriented perspective rather than a
conventional historic or short term point of view. Countries scoring high
on this dimension are the Asian countries. These countries believe in
many truths, have a long term orientation, easily accept change and have
thrift for investment. Cultures scoring low on this dimension believe in
absolute truth, are conventional and traditional, have a short term
orientation and a concern for stability. Most Western countries score
fairly low on this dimension.
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China Analysis
the Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the Individualism
factor after analysis Hong Kong where Long-term Orientation is the
highest-ranking factor.
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Appearance
Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.
Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese
frown on women who display too much.
Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.
Casual dress should be conservative as well.
Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for
business meetings.
Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese
businessmen.
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Behavior
Do not use large hand movements. [yeah,we do not speak with our
hands]
Personal contact must be avoided at all cost.[It is highly
inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public]
Do not point when speaking.
Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China.
.......(more on clicking http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/china.htm)
but I think the point seem like to The most acceptable gift is a
banquet is the best.even the gov.
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Communications
the important is that 'yes' offen seem to 'agree' in Negotiations
"Yes" means "maybe," maybe" means "no," and "no" is never spoken
if your want to know more about in chinese negotiations,I suggest that
you should read a Hardcover named "When Yes Means No: The Art of
Negotiating in China",more infomation please see
"http://btobsearch.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?btob=Y&e
an=9780804833875&pwb=1&displayonly=TOC"
Cultural Confict
for this topic i want to know more and searching by google.It's refer to
Manager.
check the url for recording and read it in time.well,this topic is
end.more knowledge and think about Geert Hofstede will continue.
referring url:
http://ruanzixiao.diy.myrice.com/whjzyrjct.htm (chinese)
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/ (about hofstede)
http://blog.run2me.com/runliu/archive/2005/11/18/12074.aspx (just talk
about the book named "When Yes Means No: The Art of Negotiating in China
" which interested me)