52 / 2015-11-11 21:03:33

Uncertainty Avoidance, Is it a Dilemma? Research based on Hofstede and GLOBE Cultural Dimensions

6404,8326,8327

This paper covers the studies of the Uncertainty Avoidance (UA) index in Hofstede and GLOBE cultural dimensions in 40 countries. The main objective of this study is to explore the UA dimension in Hofstede and GLOBE Model in cross-culture research and provide a mature reflection upon the work of Hofstede and GLOBE in UA dimension. The paper begins with a brief description of the cultural dimensions on Hofstede (1980, 2011) and House et al. (2004). Next, the UA dimension, which is the focus of this paper, is discussed in detail. Contradictory conclusions in research using 40 countries extracted from Hofstede’s UA index and GLOBE UA practices index are extensively described and discussed. The paper arrives at the conclusion that UA continues to be a contradictory issue which deserves to be carefully dealt with in the subsequent cross-cultural research. Finally, a way forward is suggested for future UA research and research realms of other dimensions and some issues for further research into this fundamental area of international business and management are canvassed.