My Take on Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions as applied to Japan & New Zealand -- Shiho Matsuura

 I think this cultural dimension model helps us a certain extent. The model shows us overviews at cultures and this is useful to get certain extent understandings before going to abroad. However, it is not enough to get full extent of understandings because culture differ among person in my opinion.

The findings align with my observations. For example, I thought that Japan preferred “long Term Orientation” because they disliked risks and that New Zealander was more indulgence than Japan. I have felt the tendencies since I visited here. I think Kiwi are more quite expressive. On the other hand, I was surprised that Japan was one of the most Masculine societies in the world. However, we woman are preferred to be feminine in Japan so the true is confusing for woman.

In my opinion, limitation is that this viewing can’t measure difference among individuals or families. For example, my mother and I more prefer to do by ourselves. Also, I feel I focus on “I” more than other Japanese people. like this example, there is a limitation which it only can measure culture loosely.





Comments

  1. Ayano YoshiikeJuly 27, 2022 at 4:06 PM

    I also think that Hofstede's dimensions are useful to some extent. However, I don't think Japan is a male-dominated country.

    ReplyDelete
  2. TAMONJuly 27, 2022 at 4:12 PM

    It was surprised for me that Japan was one of the most Masculine societies in the world even though I am a men.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mashiro YamashitaJuly 27, 2022 at 4:28 PM

    I totally agree with your idea. There is a limitation to measure the culture only by this survey, but it is useful to get information when we go abroad!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mayuko NakamuraJuly 27, 2022 at 4:33 PM

    I agree that this survey is useful, but we cannot trust all of them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Usa YamagamiJuly 27, 2022 at 4:44 PM

    Hi, Shiho. As you said, this method can only be determined roughly. But sometimes it is correct, so I think it is interesting :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yugo KonnoJuly 27, 2022 at 4:47 PM

    I agree with your this statement "this viewing can’t measure difference among individuals or families." In the first place, nobody defines what culture is.

    ReplyDelete
  7. David WoodfieldJuly 27, 2022 at 4:58 PM

    Well said, Shiho, the model can capture some general truths about each culture, but not so well the diversity that exists within any one culture.
    Regarding masculinity and femininity, I don't think the point is that Japanese women aren't feminine, but that Japanese society as a whole tends to embrace the differentiation of roles between men and women, for example "fathers deal with facts and mothers with feelings." See the McMinn video on Hofstede for more explanation of this cultural index.
    David :-)

    ReplyDelete

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