The Hofstede factor: the consequences of Culture’s Consequences

For many scholars and practitioners in the field of cross-cultural management, Hofstede’s work has provided a foundation for theory and practice. In this chapter, we briefly describe its main characteristics, explore its impact, and critically discuss its limitations. We then sketch the outlines of a critical, interpretive approach to studying national culture and cultural differences in organizational settings which is more sensitive to culture change and conflict; individual agency and social context; as well as power issues and organizational politics. After offering an illustration, we close our chapter with a few reflective thoughts and ideas for future directions.