Hofestede's dimension is outdated - what next?

Author: Iloka Benneth Chimelie 

Published: 1st of June 2014

Just like Ming-Yi Wu (2006), the best criticism I can make to the Hofstede’s dimension is that it is outdated. The researcher made known that the dimension was developed 30 years ago and it is doesn’t reflect what is presently obtainable because numerous changes have occurred in the predominant features that make up the present cultural dimensions.

This is very true. For instance, Hofstede’s dimension made known that the Nigerian culture is communistic and high in power distance, but this is not clearly the case as it is now. I am a Nigeria, and since 18 years old, I have been living alone. I studied in Malaysia and now working in Lagos, far away from my home. All my siblings are away from the family either studying or working. Sometimes when I go back home, I just see my parents around or even nobody as my parents can also travel out for their holidays and picnics. So is this communistic? Definitely not. The case of high power distance is also not true because authorities in Nigeria are constantly challenged. In the Nigerian workforce, it is very common to see the security guard exchanging words with the GM of a company as everybody fight to have their rights. Thus, statements such as “it is not my job”, “I won’t do that”, and “who said so are very common in the Nigerian workforce.”

From the above analysis, it is clear that the dimensions needs new research and updating to align it what things obtainable in the modern world and cultures.

References

Ming-Yi Wu (2006), “Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions 30 Years Later: A Study of Taiwan and the United States.” Available at: http://www.uri.edu/iaics/content/2006v15n1/04%20Ming-Yi%20Wu.pdf [Accessed on: 1^st of June, 2014].