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Geert Hofstede™ Cultural DimensionsThe highest ranking Geert Hofstede Dimension for Switzerland is Masculinity (MAS) at a value of 70. This compares to the World average of 50, and the European average of 59 (see European chart below).
The high Masculinity Index (MAS) indicates a higher polarization between the values of Swiss men and women. The implication is strong gender differentiation in which the male population is competitive and assertive relative to the female population. However, this relationship does foster greater assertiveness in the female population as well, relative to countries with low MAS Indexes, like the Norway with an MAS Index value of 8, the Netherlands with 14, or Denmark with 16.
The second highest Hofstede Dimension for Switzerland is Individualism (IDV) at 68. Comparing this to the World average value of 43, and the European value of 61 indicates the Swiss population is individualistic in nature versus collectivist.
This high IDV index value indicates that the Swiss population has a more independent nature where the people tend to take care of themselves and their close family, but tend not to 'meddle' in the matters of others.
Switzerland's lowest Hofstede Dimension is Power Distance (PDI) at 34. Again, comparing this to the World value of 55 and the European value of 45 indicates that the Swiss population has a relatively equal distribution of power across the population's societal structure. That is, there is an expectation by the general population that power and control of the society shall be more equally distributed among all the members of the society.
The third highest Hofstede Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) at 58, compared to the average European value of 74 and the average World value of 64.
Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) reflects the society’s level of tolerance for uncertainty. If a population has a high UAI index, it will institute strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations in order to reduce uncertainty within the population.
However, if the country has a low UAI value, as Switzerland does, the population is more accepting of unique and unusual situations and ideas, with greater tolerance of divergent points of view. The society will tend to have fewer rules and regulations relative to high UAI index countries.
An additional reflection of a culture with low Uncertainty Avoidance is a population with less emotion, which may appear as apathy, and a more introspective nature.
PDI=45 IDV=61 MAS=59 UAI=74
Switzerland's majority population is Catholic, which typically reflects a higher level of Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) within the population than non-Catholic cultures (see Hofstede-Religion Correlations).
However, in the case of the Swiss population, although Catholicism is the majority at 46%, it is not the predominant (over 50% of the population) religion. Therefore, there is a dilution effect imposed by the 54% non-Catholic population. This affect has moved Switzerland to a more centralist position on UAI, versus 'predominantly' Catholic countries.
* World Factbook 2002 - most recent stats 1990 - Catholic 46%, Protestant 40%, Atheist 9%, other 5%
Power Distance Index (PDI) focuses on the degree of equality, or inequality, between people in the country's society. A High Power Distance ranking indicates that inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. A Low Power Distance ranking indicates the society de-emphasizes the differences between citizen's power and wealth. In these societies equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed.
Individualism (IDV) focuses on the degree the society reinforces individual or collective achievement and interpersonal relationships. A High Individualism ranking indicates that individuality and individual rights are paramount within the society. Individuals in these societies may tend to form a larger number of looser relationships. A Low Individualism ranking typifies societies of a more collectivist nature with close ties between individuals. These cultures reinforce extended families and collectives where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.
Masculinity (MAS) focuses on the degree the society reinforces, or does not reinforce, the traditional masculine work role model of male achievement, control, and power. A High Masculinity ranking indicates the country experiences a high degree of gender differentiation. In these cultures, males dominate a significant portion of the society and power structure, with females being controlled by male domination. A Low Masculinity ranking indicates the country has a low level of differentiation and discrimination between genders. In these cultures, females are treated equally to males in all aspects of the society.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) focuses on the level of tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity within the society - i.e. unstructured situations. A High Uncertainty Avoidance ranking indicates the country has a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This creates a rule-oriented society that institutes laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty. A Low Uncertainty Avoidance ranking indicates the country has less concern about ambiguity and uncertainty and has more tolerance for a variety of opinions. This is reflected in a society that is less rule-oriented, more readily accepts change, and takes more and greater risks.
Geert Hofstede Dimensions Analysis Charts are located in each Country's page listed on the left.
Business Etiquette and Manners are located in each Country's page listed on the right, plus many additional web site links and resources applicable to that Country.
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Click on a country for its Business Etiquette Africa
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