Pakistan: Michelle and Shayan

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Marketing

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Hofstede dimensions

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embarrassing situations

af Alexandra Zhukova

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

af Iqra Afridi - Rick Hansen SS (2542)

Pakistan: Michelle and Shayan

Indulgence: 0

Another example is how even when people are gifted items from other people, they politely decline. Whether it be a thoughtful gift or money, it is extremely hard for members within a Pakistani culture to just accept it and move on. What ends up happening is a back and forth notion, where each person is trying to give a better gift, please the other more. It becomes a competition in a sense. One of the biggest sayings that I always remembered, ever since I was a kid, was that my hand should always be giving, not receiving (or taking). This goes to show that the people in society that follow Pakistani culture almost always do something nice for someone, without ever expecting something in return. They do these actions out of the goodness of their heart, because they know that they will be later blessed in other ways.

One example to prove this rating is how I've seen many of my family members be very humble, when it comes to the money that they own. One of the five pillars of Islam is a pillar called Zakat. Essentially, any additional money (or in fact, a certain amount of the money that you make) must be paid for Zakat. This money is similar to the form of a donation and the ultimate goal is to help or aid those who need it. By having this pillar of faith, Pakistani culture is greatly impacted by the Islamic religion. Thus, the moral principles or laws that are included in Islam, are also heavily implemented in Pakistani culture. This further proves the 0 rating on indulgence (very restrained) because so many people who take part in Pakistani culture truly believe that giving back comes with many benefits and blessings. Rather, they would prefer that their money go to a charitable cause, to assist other people on Earth, rather than owning a mansion or a fancy sports car for themselves.

- the lower the score, the more the country is seen as restrained, the higher the score, the more the country is considered to be indulgent. Satisfying desires, taking part in leisure time, it is not an aspect that is very normal in a country like Pakistan. With a rating of 0, Pakistan is viewed to be very restrictive. In other words, their members of society have a high control over their wants or impulses towards indulging themselves

Uncertainty Avoidance: 70

Another example of this are the standards that most parents set for their children. Trying to provide their children with a life that was better than their own, the parents often take on roles of being strict and firm. As a result of this, the children of these parents birth a fire inside of them, that feeds their need to be the best possible version of themselves that they can be.

Pakistan, with a score of 70, proves that this country prefers to avoid uncertain situations. One example of this is the fact that Pakistan is under the Islamic Sharia Law. Within this, the law includes "maintaining rigid codes of belief and behaviour and are intolerant of unorthodox behaviour and ideas" (Hofstede). Enforcing these guidelines and principles allows the members of this society to stay away from uncertainty, pushing them towards living a life that is true, honest, humble, compassionate, and more.

- this dimension refers to the unknown, when it comes to the future, the higher the rating, the bigger extent to which the country will fear, feel threatened, and thus create factors that will prevent the unknown from occuring

Masculinity: 50

With the score of 50 for Masculinity, Pakistan remains at a neutral level. 50 is an intermediate rating, which means that the country does not take a preference to Masculinity or Femininity. One example to prove this is how integrated the community and families are. Every person or member has a certain role to play. One of the biggest cultural importances is creating and raising a family. This is where the neutral, or equality of both masculinity and femininity play a large role in.

"The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (Masculine) or liking what you do (Feminine)." (Hofstede) This statement clearly displays the contrasting ways in which the Masculinity and Femininity scores represent, and what exactly comes with them.

- the higher score of masculinity is noted to be referred to the desire and ultimate want to be at the top of the food chain, driving members of the society to remain at a competitive level, cutting their way to success

- the lower score of femininity describes the need to care for others and valuing the quality of life, rather than standing out

Individualism: 14

In another example, guests who come over to the home of family or even non-related people, they are greeted graciously upon arrival. They are served tea, snacks and often food. In Pakistani culture, this is signified to be an act that is normal, and for those who do not partake in this natural offer, they are looked down upon as selfish and it is seen as unethical behaviour. Hospitality plays a large role in determining and maintaining relationships with people, both in family and non-related people.

With the low score shown above, our own experiences can support this. One prime example of this is when men and women get married, they often remain living with their parents. The daughter will move in to live with her in-laws, and the son remains with his parents in order to look after and care for them. In most Pakistani cultures, this is considered one of the biggest and utmost important responsibilities for the son after he gets married.

- this dimension refers to the way the society runs, how the members interact with each other: Pakistan is a collectivist society, the communities are close-knit, loyalty plays a large role and there is a long-term commitment to the people in this society, whether the relationships are related or not