Cross-Cultural Comparison
Bailey Donley
Park University
Abstract
Cross Cultural Comparison
In this paper, I will be making a comparison between the culture I was raised in, The United States, and one extremely different from mine, China. Using Hofstede’s Culture Dimensions, I will elaborate on the culture related components of both country.
Article Summaries
Are Scores on Hofstede’s Dimensions of National Culture Stable Over Time? A Cohort Analysis?
This journal is evaluating whether or not Hofstede’s cultural dimensions will still be accurate throughout time, specifically in current times. Since Hofstede’s research was conducted in the 1960’s, it was examining completely different cultures compared to now. The whole Earth has experienced major change since the sixties. “We use data from the
Article 2
Article 3
Evaluation of Two Cultures
Hofstede’s Culture Dimensions
Hofstede Insights is a program that examines all countries and their cultures and compares them to the six categories of Hofstede’s Culture Dimensions. These dimensions are six categories that are power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long term orientation and indulgence. These dimensions are given a score which reflects how close each are to the extremes of the categories. Using this program, I compared the statistics of the United States and China.
China is a country that is very collectivist country that has a unique culture with a rich history full of strong values which are present in every aspect of their lives. China has a high score of 80 in the dimension of Power Distance. They are a society that believes inequalities within the rankings are okay. Everyone is influenced by a main authority and sanction. People in China should not expect to move up in social class or believe they have the opportunity for power if they do not already have it. China has a score of 20 in terms of Individualism which shows that China is a highly collectivist culture. They put great importance on personal relationships and it shows in their work and personal lives. China has a score of 66 in the next dimension which means it is a masculine society. The Masculine dimension means they are driven by achievement and success. Success is also defined to the Chinese by the who is the best. Students think their exam scores and class ranking is the most important way to be successful in school. Workers will sacrifice everything to be successful and provide the absolute best for their families and employers. China has an Uncertainty Avoidance score of 30 which is a low score. It shows that China is country that values its people to be similar and follow the paths laid out for them. China has a score of 87 in the Long Term Orientation dimension which shows that they are always looking for ways to prepare for the future. China has a low score of 24 in the Indulgence dimension. They can be described as a “restrained society”. This shows that China uses their restraint to avoid unnecessary indulgence or leisure time at all.
The United States is an individualist country that prides itself on being a place where dreams come true. We are considered to be an open-minded country that values individual freedom and choice but have strong opinions and mindsets as well. The United States has a score of 40 within the dimension of Power Distance which describes how we believe power is distributed. The score for the United States in the the dimension of Individualism is one of the highest in the world. It shows how we value the roles of each individual member. We place great emphasis on take care of ourselves and our family. Everyone has responsibility over themselves. The United States has a high score of 62 which shows how we value the concept of living up to your own potential. Our high scores says that we are motivated by success and the desire to be the best possible version of ourselves. The United States has a score of 46 for Uncertainty Avoidance which is low. It shows that we value individual freedom and are a more understanding country in terms of criticisms and opinions. The United States has a score of 26. This score reflects a definition of culture that maintains traditions and is not a fan of change. According to Hofstede Insights, “Many Americans have very strong ideas about what is ‘good’ and ‘evil’”. Our strong ideas and opinions are ones that cannot be easily changed. The United States has a score of 68 which is a reflective our behavior. This shows how we value doing things that benefit us now compared to things that will help us later. We like to work hard and earn great experiences and material items for ourselves and our family.
To summarize, The United States and China only share one set of similar scores within all 6 dimensions. In Power Distance, The United States has a score of 40 and China has a score of 80. In the Individualism Dimension, The United States has a score of 91 and China has a score of 20. In terms of Masculinity, The United States has a score of 62 and China has a score of 66. The Uncertainty Avoidance Dimension shows The United States having a score of 46 and China having a score of 30. In Long Term Orientation, The United States has a score of 26 and China has a score of 87. The Indulgence Dimension shows scores of The United States as 68 and China as 24.
China can be defined as a “well-oiled machine” because it is a very
Adjusting to a New Culture
The move from the individualist United States to the collectivist China would be a major change. The United States is a country full of endless opportunities, supposedly, and is culturally shaped around the idea of each individual having access to those opportunities. China is a country that is centered around family, friends, and the important role that each member plays within society. In order to properly adjust to life in China, I would really need a support system like group of friends there.
Conclusion
References
Shiraev, E. B., & Levy, D. A. (2017). Cross-cultural psychology: Critical thinking and contemporary applications (6thed.). New York, NY: Francis & Taylor.