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Geert Hofstede™ Cultural Dimensions
The Geert Hofstede analysis for West Africa, which includes the countries of Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. combines a mix of religions and culture. This consolidation may be generally useful, but more specific information on each country should be reviewed due to variations in the religious base of each country.
Because there are correlations between religion and culture, it can be anticipated that Sierra Leone's culture, and to a lesser degree Nigeria's, will align more closely with the Arab World due to their majority Muslim populations, with a moderate minority of Christians (40%) in Nigeria. (see Religions Graph below)
Ghana has a high Christian population of 63%. The 'other' category is 21% and Muslims make up 16%. This predominantly Christian population could be expected to have lower Power Distance (PDI) rankings than the Muslim countries included in this West African grouping.
Based on the divergence of religions within the West African countries grouping, we believe the Hofstede Dimensions for West Africa should be used with caution, as they may not necessarily correlate accurately to each individual country.
The World Factbook 2002
Nigeria has a Muslim population of 50% and Sierra Leone 60%. Therefore, these two countries can be classified as predominantly Muslim.
We have found a high correlation between the Muslim religion and the Hofstede Dimensions of Power Distance (PDI) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) scores. (See article)
The combination of these two high scores (UAI) and (PDI) create societies that are highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. These cultures are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens.
When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and regulations developed by those in power, reinforce their own leadership and control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection – the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change.
* * * 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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