Key Dimensions of National Culture in Saudi Arabia using Hofstede Model - Research Paper Example

Uncertainty Avoidance The day to day business of Saudi Arabia is also greatly influenced by Islamic principles; which we will analyze in the light of Hofstede model. Geert Hofstede used 5 dimensions to analyze the culture of various countries; these dimensions being power distance individualism, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance and long term orientation. Hofstede analysis for Saudi Arabia validates that their Muslim faith plays a significant role in people’s lives. (Hofstede, 1980) Their business culture puts a great emphasise on personal relationships between business associates.

The Saudis prefer to do business with their family members, friends or those they are quiet familiar with. This shows that they like to be in their comfort zones, and do not trust people easily while doing business. Saudis like to have rigid codes of belief and behaviors and are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas. For example, they do not approve of any unislamic habits or behaviors like drinking alcohol, eating pork, womenizing, gambling etc. This also gives an insight on the uncertainty avoidance of Saudis, which is 80 and it indicates that they prefer to avoid uncertainty in life.

While doing business with familiar people, they can avoid the risk of working with someone entirely new. They have strict islamic punishments for theft, rape, murder and other crimes to put an iron hand on criminals. They have conservative dress codes in business and do not approve of modern attires. They are very risk averse in nature and avoid changes. By having rigid codes of conducts, laws, regulations, and rules they ensure that there is least amount of uncertainty and the unexpected do not happen.

Power distance Saudi Arabia works in a high power distance community. Power is distributed ineuqally and there are vertical organizational structure. (Doing business in Saudi Arabia, online) Saudia is one of the few countries in the world, where the greatest power lies in the royal palace. Their king has the most authority in the country. Their score of 95 (Hofstede, 1980) on power distance indicates that the people accept their strict hierarichal model and do not object the unequal distribution of power.

The power is usually central and most decisions are made at the top level, which are then filtered down with clear and exact directions to subordinates. The subordinates are much less empowered as compared to other cultures, and they do not have authority to make decisions. This shows their tendency to stick to tradional values and unacceptibility for modern menthods of business and governance. Collectivistic Society Saudis muslim faith compels them to stick to their families. A great emphasize on the family values is given in islam.

Saudis value their families and friends, and deem them to be the most important aspects of their lives. Their decisions are largely influenced by the social setting they live in, and the responsibilities they have as family members. With a score of 25, they are very collectivistic society. They are driven by long term commitments in the form of groups. These groups consists of family, extended family and friends. Because of their muslim faith, loyalty and strong relationships with their family and friends is very important.

As Islam considers all muslims as brothers and sisters, Saudis are very committed towards their fellow muslims. Maculinity Goverened by their faith, women are given great respect