Module 1 Exercise – Dimensions of Culture
Access this site: Hofstede Insights Country Comparison Tool
In the country comparison box, type " United States"
Next to it, type the name of the country you want to compare. This can be any country of
your choosing. This will give you ideas on potential country cultures to explore for your
Informative Speech.
Analyze the results you see in the graphs (referring to the explanation of each dimension
for additional insight), and answer the following questions:
1. Based on the “Power Distance” dimension results, how would you interact with
members of the comparison country when faced with issues of hierarchy (such as
workplace communication)?
2. Based on the” Individualistic-Collectivistic” dimension results, how would you interact
with members of the comparison country when faced with issues of “I vs. we” (individual
vs. group mentality)?
3. Based on the “Masculinity – Femininity” dimension results, how would you interact
with members of the comparison country when faced with issues of competitiveness vs.
collaboration?
4. Based on the “Uncertainty Avoidance” dimension results, how would you interact with
members of the comparison country when faced with issues of “appropriate” behavior
(flexibility with change vs. rigid standards)?
5. Based on your readings from Chapter 2, what are some ways to achieve effective
intercultural communication? What communication skills can help overcome any
potential barriers/challenges when interacting with members of another culture?
Dimensions of Culture: Comparison between the United States and Ghana
Introduction
This observation and analysis are mainly based on research to be made to find out the cultural setting as compared to the two graphs related to the two countries, which are Ghana and the United States. Here, this mainly analyzed how Ghana shows an unequal distribution related to its power distribution as compared to that of the United States. In the beginning, we can estimate the power supply by comparing its velocity with that of the United States. Moreover, we could focus on how the United States is highly established with a better implementation of its power distribution. As compared to this, better facilities are given to all the citizens of the United States. Thus, the government should take initiatives to make improvements in Ghana so that its citizens get a good living and a proper standard of living if compared with the United States.
Observation
The object of this study is to explore informative speech in a cross-cultural setting by comparing the graphs of two countries, Ghana and the United States.
Power Distance
The statistics shown in the bar graph present estimated power distance in the two countries as relatively 80% in Ghana and 40% in the United States. Therefore, it can be observed that the high power distance in Ghana shows the unequal and differential distribution of wealth and power control in the organizational structure and society. The impact of this unequal distribution can be seen in the communication and behavior of the individuals working in a formal setting. It becomes difficult to communicate effectively when the subordinates have a fear of authority. It stops the creativity and independence of the individuals. It can also result in ineffective feedback and complying with rules even when they are non-supportive of one’s interest. In contrast to Ghana, the power distance in the United States is reduced by half. Therefore, the US percentage is relatively low because of better implementation of constitutional safeguards and rights like liberty, equality, and freedom for all even in the workplace. The authority is not autocratic but rather formed on the baseline of democracy, where leaders make decisions after discussing them with their team. The communication is informal and engaging between higher authorities and their subordinates. Thus, the control that an employer has over their employees is less restrictive to motivate new ideas and creativity. While dealing with issues related to hierarchy in Ghana, one can take certain actions. Firstly, making a team with members who are ready to be communicative even when work is problematic. By communication, it means, referring to problems and discussing mutual opinions on how to deal with them. Secondly, opening informal forums with a friendly approach can also help create an interactive session between employers and employees.
Individualistic-Collectivistic
The comparison between the two countries in the individualistic and collectivistic sphere is 15% in Ghana and 91% in the United States. This states a country and its dependence on people around in the community. Loyalty and compromise are held high and it is a central aspect that leads to the development of an individual’s image. The value of an individual is measured by their contribution towards the community and the betterment of society. Therefore in organizational structure, despite power distance, the dependency is high. On the other hand, the United States has an individualistic culture where personal goals are considered a stronger part of the personality. Both cultures have their own merits and demerits. The transition that an individual will go through while departing from an individualistic culture to a collectivistic culture will require the cultivation of new values and perspectives. The person while sharing problems in the workplace should try to be less anxious and can practice expressing emotions with the community. Indirect communication can be helpful where it is not important to say all details yet social support is received from close members. There is also a need to be more open and generous towards people and offer help even when there is less scope for self-interest. The person also needs to be sympathetic and less offensive about the cultural gaps as this can disrupt harmony and create conflict in relationships.
Masculinity- Femininity
In the graph, Ghana has a low score in masculinity (40%), which shows that it is more inclined towards feminine values like considering others’ feelings and emotions over individualistic aspirations. In the United States, the score is (62%) which falls under the borderline of high masculine culture. High individualism can be one of the reasons behind having such a culture where a person competes with others to reach their desired goals and careers. It is important to note that having a more masculine culture does not mean the absence of a feminine culture. It simply means the dominance of the values and beliefs that are the building force of individual personality. Therefore, the central focus in Ghana is to be employed and work to fulfill the dire needs of the community/family and then individuals. However, the United States has a culture where desires and dreams lead a person and motivate them to choose any field and career they want. In the former country, environmental protection is the first concern of society. In the latter, economic growth is a high priority. Moreover, the issue of competitiveness is solved through force in highly masculine countries. Conversely, in feminine countries, conflicts are solved with discussions regarding pros and cons, mediation, and compromise.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Ghana stands at 65% in uncertainty avoidance. From this, it can be understood that authority and work structure are rigid. The fear of failure results in the generation of more laws and rules to manage a close hold on general operations. People consider advice from experienced people as superior and give more preference to the set boundaries. The organization is hesitant to change its strategies or adopt a new idea that has not been used before. There is also less tolerance towards failure which builds stress and anxiety within the workforce. The United States stands at 46% which makes it a low uncertainty avoidance country. Their ability to cope with ambiguities is flexible. The people in the country are more prepared to take risks and have more tolerance towards failures and conflicts. The laws and the rules are applicable with discretion and have relaxation according to the circumstances. This results in low stress on the workforce and a more inquisitive approach toward challenges. To work in a highly uncertain avoidance culture one needs to express and make people understand the benefits of risk-taking and push them towards considering more options that can work in the situation. The need for tests before performance can help build experience and create more support for the future. Being open to failures and drawbacks can bring a better understanding and make the workplace flexible.
Effective Ways to Deal with Intercultural Communication
One can enhance their communication and listening skills for better intercultural relations. Actively talking and listening to what others have to say about a particular topic is necessary to reduce the gap created by misunderstanding. Also one can avoid short phrases, idioms, or sayings that are not applicable within the territory of certain cultures. Usage of such terms can be counted as disrespect and incite feelings of hatred between cultures. Maintaining etiquette and boundaries is considered friendly and thus can be effective while dealing with intercultural occasions. Asking too many personal questions can be rude in some cultures while in others it is polite and taken care of. So one should consider taking common knowledge from an experienced person who dealt with mixed cultures. Showing respect and trust towards other cultures implies support. This helps make good connections both interpersonally and socially. Gestures and skills that present effective communication can be used. Firstly, one can talk at a slow pace and try to pronounce clear words so that they are understandable. Faking an accent can sometimes mean mockery, so avoiding tones for language can help with other people. Additionally, one can wait and give chances to others to speak rather than keep the conversation one-sided. Sometimes writing down things so as not to forget can save a person’s energy to recall.
Conclusion
Yet, to conclude this analysis, I would give out my opinion that Ghana and its government should take up certain involvement to give protection to all its citizens so that they can also get a good life as compared to that of the United States. Being a democratic nation, the US has developed certain policies under its Constitutional Administration to put forward the involvement on how its citizens can have a good life ahead. As per my observation, related to the employment services in Ghana, which has its central focus on employing people at work to fulfill just their needs. Moreover, as in the case of the Individualistic-Collectivistic which narrates the statistical sphere of Ghana to be 15%, as compared to that of the US deprived of 91% of the individualistic-collectivism. On the other hand, discrimination on the grounds of gender is a common norm followed in most of the countries. In the case of the United States, where women are employed in a higher ratio as compared to that of Ghana. Thus, through this analysis, we can understand how the US government has made changes within their society as compared to that of Ghana.
