Austria

Power distance

Austria scores very low on this dimension (score of 11) which means that the following characterises the Austrian style: Being independent, hierarchy for convenience only, equal rights, superiors accessible, coaching leader, management facilitates and empowers.

Power is decentralized and managers count on the experience of their team members. Employees expect to be consulted.

Control is disliked. Communication is direct and participative.

Individualism

Austria, with a score of 55 is an Individualist society. This means there is a high preference for a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals are expected to take care of themselves and their immediate families only.

In Individualist societies offence causes guilt and a loss of self-esteem, the employer/employee relationship is a contract based on mutual advantage, hiring and promotion decisions are supposed to be based on merit only, management is the management of individuals.

Masculinity

At 79, Austria is a Masculine society – highly success oriented and driven.fu In Masculine countries, people “live in order to work”, managers are expected to be decisive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and performance. Conflicts are resolved by fighting them out. A clear example of this dimension is seen around election time, with ferocious, no-holds barred battles between candidates.

Uncertainty Avoidance

Austria scores 70 on this dimension and thus has a preference for avoiding uncertainty.

Decisions are taken after careful analysis of all available information. The usage of academic titles as part of people’s names is a reflection of Austria’s high score on the Uncertainty Avoidance Index.

Long Term Orientation

The Austrians score 60, making it a pragmatic culture. In societies with a pragmatic orientation, people believe that truth depends very much on the situation, context and time.

Indulgence

Austria is an Indulgent country with a high score of 63. People in societies classified by a high score on Indulgence generally exhibit a willingness to realise their impulses and desires with regard to enjoying life and having fun.

In Austria, the score is too low, and in Russia too high. In Russia, it would be worthwhile to reduce management control and give more freedom to employee actions. And in Austria it’s stronger to take control.

Austria should pay more attention to caring for others. In Russia, it is worth educating employees in leadership qualities and the desire for success. This can be achieved through training.

In Austria it is worth being more restrained in the manifestation of your desires. In Russia, on the contrary, it would be worthwhile to stop being afraid to show emotions.

Power distance Austria 11 Russia 93

Individualism Austria 55 Russia 39

Masculinity Austria 79 Russia 36

Uncertainly Avoidance Austria 70 Russia 95

Long term orientation Austria 60 Russia 81

Indulgence Austria 63 Russia 20

Power distance

Masculinity

Indulgence