CultureoftheCIS

Culture of the CIS countries: 

Culture of the CIS countries By Tatiana Sonnikova

Hofstede’s five-dimensional model: 

Hofstede’s five-dimensional model Power Distance Uncertainty Avoidance Individualism vs. Collectivism Masculinity vs. Femininity Long–Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation

Hofstede’s Model of Power Distance: 

Hofstede’s Model of Power Distance Emphasis on Authority Under Communist party, initiative and personal responsibility suppressed. Decision-making done by higher authority Long time for a decision to be made Very pronounced in Central Asian countries

Collectivistic vs.Individualistic Culture: 

Collectivistic vs.Individualistic Culture Communal spirit and togetherness Agricultural village commune – decisions made by assembly of heads of households. Find the collective will and consensus Still found today in socializing Decisions making in the hands of higher authority Inappropriate to flaunt own individuality during negotiating Conform to atmosphere and behavior of surroundings Small proximity bubble

Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance: 

Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Pessimistic, cautious, value stability, security, social order, and avoiding risk Tried and tested over new and unknown Expect things to go poorly Attitude from history Hard to develop new proposals, would want to weigh all pros and cons carefully Can test patience of other cultures

Masculine Oriented Culture: 

Masculine Oriented Culture competitiveness, success and job – prime factor for men family and children should the main priority for women Few women in business Business women still referred to as “businessmen” Severe shortage of men Responsibility is on women’s shoulders

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation: 

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation history, established religions, and traditions are extremely important Emphasis is on developing social obligations, internal social relationships Employees value security more in a company than short-term results, though with the change to a market system it is starting to change

7D Dimension:Particularistic Culture: 

7D Dimension:Particularistic Culture Most business transactions done on basis of personal relationships. Rules present only a rough guide to business Friendship is a very important issue Reliance on a close network of family, friends, and co-workers as protection against the risks and unpredictability of daily life Most negotiations start with small talk at restaurants.

7D Dimension:Internal vs.External Control: 

7D Dimension:Internal vs.External Control Fatalist Believe they cannot change things, but good at adapting to them Little emphasis placed on planning and scheduling Feel it is important to formulate what is problem instead of solution Once plan is decided on, do not stick to plan

7D Dimension: High vs. Low Context: 

7D Dimension: High vs. Low Context Mixed Can be very blatant and emotional and then speak metaphorically or cryptically. “In principle, it can be done” means “but in practice it may be another matter.” “Yes” and “of course” is not the same for the CIS and US people “No” usually means no, but reasons may be fear of being held responsible for it.

Formal vs. Informal: 

Formal vs. Informal Emphasize many traditional values Do not use first names, necessary to use patronymic Formality is expressed in the structure of language More formal in Central Asian countries, where there is a high emphasis on the formality, and respect for the elders Dress is conservative with no flashy colors

Slide12: 

Conclusion Different, but can be overcome Use cultural consultants and people who are familiar with the culture Learn the language as much as possible Use the proper translator/interpreter