Essay on Cross Culture Management

Cultures vary from one community to another because of difference in backgrounds and environment . As a leader, one must understand that there are no leaders; therefore, one must be willing to follow those eager to lead them effectively; this develops a culture of understanding between them. This discussion will focus on examining Hofstede’s six dimensions and, as a leader, why it is essential to recognize and understand how the relationship between leaders and followers may be affected by each of these dimensions.

Power distance: This cultural dimension views how people in a society understand the differences in authority and power. High power distance people are likely to assume that inequalities in power are acceptable because of the perception that there are people who are powerful than others and are in charge of leadership. Contrary to the low power distance societies where people are considered equal. For example, most countries have adopted constitutions that treat people with equality whereby every citizen enjoys the privileges of their countries, hence encouraging a close relationship between the leaders and followers.

Individualism versus collectivism: it considers society as divided into social groups ,which the obligations to take and depend on other groups. This dimension aims on attaining personal goals and is recognized and rewarded for their achievements, while collectivism places great importance on the purposes and well-being of the group ( Aparicio et al., 2016). This dimension affects the relationship between leaders and followers because some followers believe that everyone should get the same reward. This brings differences that make them lose interest. For example, employees are recruitment and promotions are based on particular groups which contains the majority especially in low individualism countries.

Uncertainty avoidance: The dimension explains how people in these societies are comfortable with the risk, unpredictable and uncertain situations; this is a culture that results due to work environments in such countries and tries to provide certainty and stability through explicit rules and instructions

Masculinity versus femininity: The dimension considers society’s preference for the achievement attitude towards behavior and sexuality ( Bissessar, 2018). Leaders now have the responsibility to ensure equality between men women and ensure that gender parities are well resolved to chaos in society.

Leaders focus on choosing between long and short-term orientation; the importance of this dimension is that a leader can choose the one that will deliver quick results and the other that will achieve long-term success to their followers.

Indulgence versus restraint, this dimension considers the extent and the ability to fulfill its desires to the members of society. Indulgence allows people in society to have freedom when acquiring their needs in society while restraint controls and regulates the needs of people through norms (Tajaddini &, Gholipour, 2017).

In conclusion, these dimensions explain the impact of culture has influenced and impacted on peoples work and lifestyles, and also shows what leaders show to their followers. It also enables people to understand the cultural aspects, learn and adapt to those cultural conditions.

References

Aparicio, M., Bacao, F., & Oliveira, T. (2016). Cultural impacts on e-learning systems’ success. The Internet and Higher Education, 31, 58-70.

Bissessar, C. (2018). An application of Hofstede’s cultural dimension among female educational leaders. Education sciences, 8(2), 77.

Tajaddini, R., & Gholipour, H. F. (2017). National culture and default on mortgages. International Review of Finance, 17(1), 107-133.