Cultural Dimensions

Comparison of the United States and Germany

Power Distance

In the United States, the power distance score is 40. The US culture shows the clear unequal distribution of power where both the followers and the leaders have accepted and endorsed inequality (Hofstede Insights, 2022). However, Germany is highly decentralized and has a strong middle class. It is among the lower distant countries with a score of 35. The management has to consider the co-determined rights, which are comparatively extensive (Hofstede Insights, 2022). The culture encourages direct and engaging communication in a meeting. However, the German culture discourages control and show of expertise by the management, thus promoting equality.

Individualism

According to Hofstede Insights (2022), USA scores 91 in individualism; thus, society members usually look after themselves and their immediate families. The management is expected to be self-reliant and initiates every project in the workplace. The management should only depend on the employees to contribute a little to the organizational goals or present their ideas. Individualism extends to the employment and promotion processes where the interested individuals have to prove their potential in what they have done. However, individualism in Germany is at a score of 67. The German culture allows some degree of involvement based on individual preferences, responsibilities, and duties. The management should communicate directly with the employee to address concerns and be honest with them despite the consequences.  

Masculinity

Hofstede Insights (2022) states that the United States scores 62 in masculinity. The management should individualize responsibilities in the workplace because everyone strives to achieve their goals. Their achievements in the workplace highly raise their self-esteem; this is a motivating factor. However, Germany scores 66 in masculinity; thus, the performance of an individual is highly valued. The culture believes that the performance of an individual determines their ability and self-esteem. Management should show a forceful personality to the employees and set the target they should achieve.

Uncertainty Avoidance

The Americans score below average at 62 on the dimension of uncertainty dimension. They fairly accept new ideas and are willing to try something new (Hofstede Insights, 2022). The management should present them with new ideas because they are less concerned with uncertainties. However, Germany scored 65, thus being among the uncertainty-avoidant countries. Germany is concerned with its actions' consequences and unwilling to take on challenging tasks. They rely on expertise to avoid uncertainty.

Long Term Orientation

Americans have a low score of 26 in the long-term orientation dimension. Americans are not concerned with the truth but depend on the theoretical view of things (Hofstede Insights, 2022). Management focuses on short-term results; thus, Americans strive for quick success in the workplace. Germany scores 83 in the long-term orientation. They believe in dealing with things realistically on a practical basis rather than a theoretical one. The pragmatic culture makes them depend on truth based on situation and time (Hofstede Insights, 2022). The management bases their decision on the long-term situation rather than the theoretical approaches.

Indulgence

According to Hofstede Insights (2022), the United States scores 68 in the dimension of indulgence; hence, they cannot control their impulses. Americans are usually engaged in immoral behaviors, thus raising ethical concerns. The management should be cautious of the indulgence behavior of the Americans. However, Germany scores 40 in the dimension of indulgence. Their culture is restrained, and their actions are based on society's moral guidelines. Germans perceive it wrong to indulge themselves and thus maintain social norms in their workplaces.

References

Hofstede Insights (2022) Country Comparison Available: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/