Hofstede dimension

      The differences in the Hofstede  dimension scores between the United States and Ireland are relatively small. The first category is the "Power Distance" section which is defined as "the extent to which the less powerful member of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally." The United states scores a 40 which is considered to be low due to our ideal preaching equal rights to everyone. If the United States is low with a score of 40 then Ireland is very low with a score of 28. However this is typical due to the fact that Ireland has a much different social status and organization then the United States where Ireland has a much more organized system of hierarchy.
      The next section is Individualism. This section goes into whether or not more people would focus on "I" or "we." The United States scores a hight of 91 in this section. This can be tied to the fact that the United States is a very lose knit society where people are more likely to think of themselves before others. In American business it is expect that Americans be self-reliant. The scores were lower in Ireland being 70. Although their score is lower they still display similarities in the business world with the United States. For example their employees are also expected to be self reliant, earning their promotions based on their merit and ability to perform their job.
      The next section on the chart is Masculinity/Felinity. The United States scores a 62 and is considered a “masculine” society. This doesn’t state that men are favored in American society; only that it is driven by competition, achievement and success. Scoring a 62 states that Americans work hard to accomplish as much as they possibly can and are always looking to improve their status. Ireland scores higher then the Unites States in this section earning a 68. The two countries are very similar and are always looking to achieve more in the business world.  

      The next section is called “Uncertainty Avoidance.” This section is devoted to the fact that the future is so unknown and no one really knows what can happen. Scoring a 46 in this section the United States is generally accepting to this belief. Businesses are always looking to try something different. Ireland scores a 35 meaning they are even more open to new ideas and policies and are always looking for new ways to approach problems. Both countries firmly embrace the fact that the future is so unknown.

      The last section of the chart is “Long-term Orientation.” This section has to do with a “future-oriented perspective rather than a conventional historic short-term point of view.” The United States scores a 29 proving to be very short-term oriented. Ireland being a 43 is also short-term oriented however they still maintain a great respect for their history and tradition.

 

      In comparison to Italy there are both notable similarities and differences. In “Power Difference” Italy scores a 50 where status and power are very significant in Italian culture. When it comes to “Individualism” (76), “Masculinity/Femininity” (70), and “Long-term Orientation” (34) Italy’s scores are very similar to those of the United States and Ireland. However the biggest difference comes in the section of “Uncertainty Avoidance.” Scoring a high 75 proves that Italy is uncomfortable not knowing what will happen in the future.