4 Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions In China - Angel, Krissy
4 Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions In China
Individualism vs. Collectivism
The Chinese are more willing to suppress their feelings and needs for the good of the group. This value has been passed down from folklore, where many martyrs have sacrificed their lives for their country since dynastic times 5,000 years ago.
Source: Ifeng
China is a collectivist culture where people act in the interests of the group and not necessarily of themselves. In-group considerations affect hiring and promotions with closer in-groups getting preferential treatment.
Power Distance
According to Barboza (2008), some Chinese companies routinely fail to pay their employees, withhold health benefits, and expose employees to dangerous machinery and harmful chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.
The society believes that inequalities amongst people are acceptable. The relationship between subordinates and superiors tends to be polarized, and it is normally impossible to defend against abuses of power by superiors.
Source: PSU
Restraint vs. Indulgence
Due to its large population, China has a lot of competition for study and employment. Therefore, people dare not indulge themselves for fear that they will fall behind others if they relax.
China is a Restrained society. In contrast to Indulgent societies, Restrained societies do not put much emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People with this orientation have the perception that their actions are Restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong(The Culture Factor).
Source: CQfluency
Uncertainty Avoidance
The thought of ancient Chinese scholars' indifference to fame and fortune has been passed down to now. Chinese people do not pursue absolute perfection, and a comfortable and stable life is what they pursue.
The Chinese are comfortable with ambiguity; the Chinese language is full of ambiguous meanings that can be difficult for Western people to follow. Chinese are adaptable and entrepreneurial. At the time of writing the majority (70% -80%) of Chinese businesses tend to be small to medium sized and family owned (The Culture Factor).
