1. Intercultural Communication
• Prof Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions
• Small vs. large power distance
• Low: Manager accessible/all have equal rights
• High: Superiors are right/Inequalities accepted
• Collectivism vs. individualism
• Low: “we”, group is important
• High: “I”, my needs trumps the group
• Femininity vs. masculinity
• Low: quality of life, sympathy for unfortunate
• High: Need to excel, admiration for the successful
• Weak vs. strong uncertainty avoidance
• Low: Flexibility
• High: Stress, rules
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3. Hofstede cultural dimensions
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4. Hofstede cultural dimensions
Rating 1 - 100 Czech
India rep Fin Nor Den Swe
Small vs. large power
distance 77 57 33 31 18 31
Collectivism vs.
individualism 48 58 63 69 74 71
Femininity vs.
masculinity 56 57 26 8 16 5
Weak vs. strong
uncertainty avoidance 40 74 59 50 23 29
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5. Hofstede cultural dimensions
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6. Various approaches to avoid
conflicts and misunderstandings
• Define a common ground
• Establish communication channels that fit every culture
• Establish a conflict solving team culture
• Create awareness among team members and superiors
• If necessary, create processes and procedures
• Reference: geert-hofstede.com & www.torbjorngustavsson.com