According to Hofstede, countries with high power distance are typically more violent. A low score reflects the perspective that people see each other as equals. Latin American and Arab nations rank highest in this category; Scandinavian and Germanic nations rank lowest.
In terms of cultural diversity at work, power distance measures how people with less power cope and relate to those with more power or status above them, such as between an employee and his or her boss, for example.
Individualism vs. collectivism
Are you more of a go-it-alone person or a group participant? In individualistic cultures, you identify with yourself first, whereas in collectivism people have a sense of belonging to groups, organisations or families where individuals look out for each other and owe each other loyalty.
In an organisation with a culture that tends more towards collectivism, they prefer to hire people they already know, such as family or friends. They consider people they trust within their group for important appointments. In contrast, in a more individualistic culture, applicants are evaluated on the basis of their background and experience.
In terms of working relationships, a more collectivist organisation works to ensure that there are real links between employees, both between peers and between leaders and subordinates. In this type of culture, employees feel more involved and valued in the organisation and staff turnover is reduced.
In contrast, in more individualistic organisations, the relationship between employee and employer is merely what the business demands. If the expected results are not achieved, the employment relationship may be terminated and dismissal is possible. In this type of company, workers change jobs more quickly and are driven only by better pay or conditions.
Masculinity vs. femininity
At this point, Hofstede draws on some of the archetypal traits that are often applied to the gender issue in an attempt to develop it. Thus, according to the Dutch psychologist and anthropologist, in this dimension of cultural diversity at the workplace the masculine side represents an orientation towards achievement, heroism, assertiveness and material reward for success. Society in general is more competitive. Its opposite, femininity, prefers cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life. Society in general is more consensus-oriented.
A masculine organisational culture is characterised by the constant search for recognition, promotions, more income and challenges. A female organisational culture is characterised by the search for a pleasant environment, good relations between all, regardless of hierarchy, collaboration between colleagues and job stability.