Human Resource Management in Sweden - Research Paper Example

As per Hofstede there are four broad cultural dimensions along which societies can be differentiated i.e. power distance, individualism, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. Power distance comprises the extent to which less influential individuals of a society accept discrimination in society. This acceptance level varies along different culture. Individualism culture focuses on societies where people are concerned about self-interest and interest of family only while collectivism refers to a culture where individuals protect the society’s interest.

Masculine culture expects men as compared to women of society to play the assertive and ambitious role who strive for material success and it defines a caring and serving role for women. Feminine culture on other hand defines an overlapping role for both men and women and it focuses on interpersonal relationship and shows concern for the weak. Sweden is depicted with a feminine culture as it does not require any gender to be more ambitious and highly competitive. A culture which avoid uncertainty is active, security seeking and intolerant while a culture which accepts uncertainty tolerant, less aggressive and unemotional (Vitell et al).

In Table 2 index for Sweden has been given on the basis of power distance (PDI), Individualism (IDV), Masculinity (MAS), Uncertainty avoidance index(UAI). From the Table2 we see that Sweden is not likely to avoid uncertainty. They are risk oriented. We also see that Sweden is more of a feminine country which emphasizes on relationship with people than with money. Swedish businessmen prefer appropriate code of behavior in business meeting. They believe in reaching a solution via joint decisions.

They believe in facts, delivery schedule and need a longer period of time to inculcate shared information. Since they believe in consensus for a solution so they worry about what others might think of them