Dimensions
Power Distance (PDI)
This dimension expresses the degree to which the less powerful members of a society accept and expectthat power is distributed unequally. The fundamental issue here is how asociety handles inequalities among people. People in societies exhibiting alarge degree of power distance accept a hierarchical order in which everybodyhas a place and which needs no further justification. In societies with lowpower distance, people strive to equalise the distribution of power and demandjustification for inequalities of power.
an example of Power Distance by Geert Hofstede
Individualism versus collectivism (IDV)
Thehigh side of this dimension, called Individualism, can be defined as apreference for a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals areexpected to take care of themselves and their immediate families only. Itsopposite, Collectivism, represents a preference for a tightly-knit framework insociety in which individuals can expect their relatives or members of aparticular in-group to look after them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. Asociety's position on this dimension is reflected in whether people’sself-image is defined in terms of “I” or “we.”
Masculinity versus femininity (MAS)
The masculinity side ofthis dimension represents a preference in society for achievement, heroism,assertiveness and material reward for success. Society at large is morecompetitive. Its opposite, femininity, stands for a preference for cooperation,modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life. Society at large is moreconsensus-oriented.
Uncertainty avoidance (UAI)
The uncertainty avoidancedimension expresses the degree to which the members of a society feeluncomfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. The fundamental issue here is howa society deals with the fact that the future can never be known: should we tryto control the future or just let it happen? Countries exhibiting strong UAImaintain rigid codes of belief and behaviour and are intolerant of unorthodoxbehaviour and ideas. Weak UAI societies maintain a more relaxed attitude inwhich practice counts more than principles.
Long-term versus short-term orientation (LTO)
The long-term orientationdimension can be interpreted as dealing with society’s search for virtue.Societies with a short-term orientation generally have a strong concern withestablishing the absolute Truth. They are normative in their thinking. Theyexhibit great respect for traditions, a relatively small propensity to save forthe future, and a focus on achieving quick results. In societies with along-term orientation, people believe that truth depends very much onsituation, context and time. They show an ability to adapt traditions tochanged conditions, a strong propensity to save and invest, thriftiness, andperseverance in achieving results.
An example of LTO by Geert Hofstede
Indulgence versus Restraint (IVR)
Indulgence stands for a society that allows relatively free gratification of basic and natural human drives related to enjoying life and having fun. Restraint stands for a society that suppresses gratification of needs and regulates it by means of strict social norms.
Geert Hofstede on the 6th dimension