is an influential Dutch writer on the interactions between Nation al Culture s and Organizational Culture s, and is an author of several books including ''Culture's Consequences'' (2nd, fully revised edition, 2001) and ''Cultures and Organizations, Software of the Mind'' (2nd, revised edition 2005).
Hofstede demonstrated that there are national and regional cultural groupings that affect the behaviour of societies and organizations, and that are very persistent across time.
He has found five dimensions of Culture in his study of national work related values:
- ''Small vs. Large Power Distance'' - the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations expect and accept that power is distributed unequally. Small power distance (e.g. Austria, Denmark) expect and accept power relations that are more consultative or democratic. People relate to one and other more as equals regardless of formal positions. Subordinates are more comfortable with and demand the right to contribute to and critique the decision making of those in power. Large power distance (e.g. China) less powerful accept power relations that are more autocratic and paternalistic. Subordinates acknowledge the power of others simply based on where they are situated in certain formal, hierarchical positions.
- ''Individualism vs. collectivism'' - Individualism is contrasted with Collectivism , and refers to the extent to which people are expected to stand up for themselves and to choose their own affiliations, or alternatively act predominantly as a member of a life-long group or organisation. Latin American cultures rank among the lowest in this category, while the U.S.A. is one of the most individualistic cultures.
- ''Masculinity vs. femininity'' - refers to the value placed on traditionally male or female values. Masculine cultures value competitiveness, assertiveness, ambition, and the accumulation of wealth and material possessions, whereas feminine cultures place more value on relationships and quality of life. Japan is considered by Hofstede to be the most "masculine" culture, Sweden the most "feminine." Anglo cultures are moderately masculine. Because of the taboo on sexuality in many cultures, particularly masculine ones, and because of the obvious gender generalizations implied by the Hofstede's terminology, this dimension is often renamed by users of Hofstede's work, e.g. to ''Quantity of Life vs. Quality of Life''.
- ''Uncertainty avoidance'' - reflects the extent to which a society attempts to cope with anxiety by minimizing uncertainty. Cultures that scored high in uncertainty avoidance prefer rules (e.g. about religion and food) and structured circumstances, and employees tend to remain longer with their present employer. Mediterranean cultures and Japan rank the highest in this category.
- ''Long vs. short term orientation'' - describes a society's "time horizon," or the importance attached to the future versus the past and present. In long term oriented societies, pragmatism, thrift and perseverance are valued more; in short term oriented societies, normative statements, respect for tradition and Reciprocation of gifts and favors are valued more. China and Japan and the Asian tigers score especially high here, with Western nations scoring rather low and man of the less developed nations very low; China scored highest and Pakistan lowest.
- His website: http://www.geerthofstede.nl
- A training institute based on his work and actively supported by him http://www.itim.org
- His C.V.: http://www.itim.org/cv_geert.html
- the site of his son, biologist and co-author Gert Jan: http://www.gertjanhofstede.com
- Information on cultural dimensions: http://stephan.dahl.at/intercultural/Hofstede_dimensions.html
- Hofstede's dimensions simplified by Kwintessential
- Hofstede's cultural dimensions World maps of Geert Hofstede's 5 cultural dimensions
- http://www.it.murdoch.edu.au/~sudweeks/b329/readings/mcsweeney.doc (essay criticizing the supposed finding of cultural dimensions)
- Intercultural Business Communication Simple application of Hofstede's dimensions into a practical business tool
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