Culture Comparison Guide
The Culture Comparison tool lets you compare two countries side by side using Hofstede's six cultural dimensions. It's a great starting point for understanding cultural differences before working with international colleagues or clients.
How to Use It
- Navigate to Culture Comparison from the Tools Dashboard or sidebar
- Select two countries from the dropdown menus
- A bar chart appears comparing scores across all six dimensions
- Below the chart, you'll find descriptions of each dimension
Understanding the Dimensions
Each dimension is scored from 0 to 100:
- Power Distance (PDI) — How a society handles inequality. High scores indicate acceptance of hierarchical order.
- Individualism (IDV) — The degree to which people are integrated into groups. High scores favour individual achievement.
- Masculinity (MAS) — Preference for competition vs. cooperation. High scores favour assertiveness and material success.
- Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) — A society's tolerance for ambiguity. High scores indicate preference for clear rules and structure.
- Long Term Orientation (LTO) — How a society balances past traditions with future challenges. High scores favour pragmatism and planning.
- Indulgence (IVR) — The extent to which people try to control desires and impulses. High scores indicate more freedom to enjoy life.
Tips for Interpretation
- A difference of 20+ points on any dimension typically signals a meaningful cultural gap
- No score is "better" — each reflects different but valid cultural approaches
- Use the comparison as a starting point, then dive deeper with Country Briefs or Interaction Tips
- Remember that individuals within a country will vary — these are national-level averages
Access
Culture Comparison is publicly available — no account required.