Culture in Angola: insights for human resources management

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rita Silva ◽  
Helena Cristina Roque ◽  
António Caetano
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Human Resources Management ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Performance Orientation ◽  
And Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the cultural values – how things should be – and the cultural practices – how things are – of Angolan society. The authors expected to find: a gap between practices and values; high levels of power distance, institutional and in-group collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, future and humane orientation; and low to medium levels of performance orientation, gender equality and assertiveness. Design/methodology/approach – In all, 235 employees in Angola responded to a questionnaire using GLOBE’s cultural scales. Findings – There is a gap between cultural practices and values. Within Angola, humane and performance orientations are the most valued cultural dimensions. Power distance and in-group collectivism are the most prevailing cultural practices. Compared to other countries, Angola has high levels of humane orientation, institutional collectivism and uncertainty avoidance values and high levels of assertiveness and performance orientation practices. Practical implications – Higher than desired levels of assertiveness and power distance, on the one hand, and lower than desired levels of humane orientation and uncertainty avoidance on the other, are key aspects that should be taken into account by HRM in this context. Originality/value – These results may have important implications for HRM in Angola. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis of Angola’s culture from a business research perspective.

Culture and corruption

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Yeganeh
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
National Level ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Corrupt Behavior

Purpose – This study aims at investigating the effects of cultural values on corruption by integrating Hofstede's, Schwartz's, and Inglehart's frameworks. Design/methodology/approach – First, corruption is conceptualized and Schwartz's, Hofstede's and Inglehart's cultural dimensions are presented. In the second part, the relationships among concepts are discussed and the hypotheses, variables, and theoretical models are presented. Then, the empirical tests are conducted, the theoretical/managerial implications are discussed, and an integrative model is proposed. Findings – The empirical analysis confirms that after controlling for the effects of socio-economic development, cultural values have considerable influence on the level of perceived corruption. More specifically, it is found that Hofstede's High Power Distance, High Uncertainty Avoidance, Masculinity and Collectivism, Schwartz's Conservatism and Harmony, and Inglehart's Survival and Traditional-religious dimensions are associated with the corrupt behavior. By contrast, the opposite values namely Hofstede's Low Power Distance, Low Uncertainty Avoidance, Femininity, and Individualism, Schwartz's Autonomy and Mastery, and Inglehart's Self-Expression and Rational-secular dimensions tend to impede corruption. Research limitations/implications – This study has a limited scope as it relies on narrow conceptualizations of culture and corruption. Furthermore, like many cross-cultural studies, the current analysis relies solely on the national-level data and overlooks the effects of intra-national variations. It is important to note that while culture has important implications for the corrupt behavior, its effects should not be considered as deterministic. Practical implications – By referring to the integrative model of this study, managers and scholars can conveniently describe a country's culture, understand the implications, and make sense of the level of associated corruption. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by integrating three widely employed cultural frameworks, by incorporating a large number of countries into the research design, by providing a profound understanding of the influence of culture on corruption, and particularly by offering a comprehensive model for scholars and practitioners.

Cultural and paradoxical values in advertising in Eastern Europe

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Saleem ◽  
Jorma Antero Larimo ◽  
Kadi Ummik ◽  
Andres Kuusik
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Print Advertisements ◽  
Advertising Appeals ◽  
Culturally Congruent

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Hofstede’s (2001) cultural framework and the value paradox explain the use of appeals in advertising in Estonia. Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses are drawn in relation to Hofstede’s original four cultural dimensions – power distance, masculinity/femininity, individualism/collectivism and uncertainty avoidance. A sample of 110 print advertisements from four magazines were analyzed using Pollay’s (1983) classification of advertising appeals. Findings – The results show that Estonian advertising reflects paradoxical values related to low power distance and femininity dimensions, and culturally congruent values related to high-uncertainty avoidance and individualism. Practical implications – Findings suggest that cultural values (desired) alone are insufficient to predict the reflection of culture in advertising. Rather, consideration of the discrepancies between the cultural values (desired) and practices (desirable) enables a better explanation of the relationship between society and its advertising. Originality/value – Scholars have shown increasing interest in the consequences of culture on advertising, but the opposing aspect of cultural values and practices has received limited research attention. The paper offers interesting insights regarding the effect of culture and the value paradox on the use of appeals in advertising. Additionally, analyzing the advertising of Eastern Europe is highly important because of the limited research attention that exists with respect to advertising in the region.

Examining the effect of functional diversity on organizational team innovation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gladys Esinu Abiew ◽  
Eugene Okyere-Kwakye ◽  
Florence Yaa Akyia Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Innovation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose Underpinned by the information processing theory, this study aims to investigate the relationship between functional diversity and team innovation by examining the moderating role of some selected cultural dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity-femininity) in the relationship between functional diversity and innovation. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method was used using a structured questionnaire as a tool to collect data from 251 respondents drawn from research institutions in Ghana. Data was analysed using simple regression and hierarchical multiple regression. In addition, a structural equation model was used to conduct confirmatory factor analyses to examine whether the variables in the hypothesized model for the study captured distinct constructs that the variables were designed to measure. Findings The study revealed that functional diversity was positively related to team innovation. The study also found that functionally diverse groups are more innovative when they exhibit low uncertainty avoidance, femininity and low power distance. Practical implications These findings suggest that practices such as team communication, honesty, respect and trust would foster team unity and commitment, which would enable members to share diverse expertise towards the creation and execution of new ideas and improvement of productivity in the country. Originality/value The study examined the relationship between functional diversity and team innovation by examining the moderating role of some selected cultural dimensions (power distance, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity-femininity) in the relationship between functional diversity and innovation.

scholarly journals The more you value, the less you practice: a study on culture and managerial discretion

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-50
Author(s):  
Moustafa Salman Haj Youssef ◽  
Hiba Maher Hussein ◽  
Hoda Awada
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
National Level ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Managerial Discretion ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine cross-cultural differences in managerial discretion and the extent to which variations and interaction of cultural practices and values affect the degree of freedom in decision making that is accorded to executives. This paper offers a holistic approach to investigating culture in addition to acknowledging its paradoxical nature. Design/methodology/approach Using a panel of prominent management consultants to rate discretion across 18 countries, the authors further develop the national-level construct of managerial discretion by empirically investigating the influence of cultural practices and values on CEOs’ discretion. Findings The study reveals that cultural values moderate the relationship between cultural practices and managerial discretion for three cultural dimensions: individualism, uncertainty tolerance and power distance (PD). By adopting the logic of marginal utility, the authors also show that the more a society values individualism, uncertainty tolerance and PD, the weaker the effect of their practices on managerial discretion. Originality/value Few research has attempted to assess both cultural values and practices in relation to managerial discretion. By showing the mechanism in which culture affects the level of managerial discretion, the authors offer new theoretical insights and practical implications, overall contributing to the field of cross-cultural and strategic management. Finally, this will offer CEO’s a new perspective of leveraging culture as a tool, enhancing their decision-making capabilities in the aim of improving organizational performance.

INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL PRACTICES ON SOCIAL SUPPORT OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS' STARTUPS

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 1850007 ◽  
Author(s):  
TIANJIAO QIU
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Future Orientation ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Performance Orientation ◽  
Gender Egalitarianism

Social support of female entrepreneurs' startups is critical for the sustainable development of female entrepreneurship in a country. This study empirically tests how nine cultural practices, including performance orientation, uncertainty avoidance, in-group collectivism, power distance, gender egalitarianism, humane orientation, institutional collectivism, future orientation and assertiveness, impact social support of female entrepreneurs' startups across different countries. For the period between 2009 and 2012, sixty-two countries were analyzed using longitudinal data with hierarchical linear modeling techniques. The empirical findings demonstrate three cultural practices (power distance, uncertainty avoidance and future orientation) play major roles in explaining the variation of social support of female entrepreneurs. In contrast, the effects of cultural practices of human orientation, institutional collectivism, in-group collectivism, assertiveness, gender egalitarianism and performance orientation are negligible. Further moderation tests show that a country's macroeconomic environment significantly moderates the relationship between the cultural practice of uncertainty avoidance and social support of female entrepreneurs' startups. The findings provide practical guidance to policymakers on how to develop robust ecosystems with strong cultural practices that enhance social support of female entrepreneurs.

The effect of individual cultural values and phantasy on risky investment intention

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selim Aren ◽  
Hatice Nayman Hamamci
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unconscious Processes ◽  
Risky Investment ◽  
Investment Intentions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of conscious and unconscious processes on risky investment intention. In this framework, the effect of individual cultural values and phantasy on risky investment intentions was investigated. In addition, the mediating role of phantasy in the relationship between individual cultural values and risky investment intentions was also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachData were collected between May 14, 2020 and June 01, 2020, when our graduate students voluntarily shared the online survey link on their social networks. In this way, 1,934 people in total answered the questionnaire. To test the study model, structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using the AMOS program. In addition, ANOVA and independent sample t-test analyses were conducted using the SPSS program to analyze whether individual cultural values and risky investment intent differ according to demographic variables.FindingsAccording to the analysis results, power distance, collectivism, masculinity and long-term orientation are seen as antecedents of phantasy. While a positive relationship was found between power distance, collectivism and risky investment intention, a negative relationship was found between uncertainty avoidance and risky investment intention. Statistical findings regarding the mediating effect of phantasy on the relationship between individual cultural values and risky investment intentions were also determined. In addition to these, the differences in individual cultural values and risky investment intentions according to age, education level, sex and marital status were investigated. Individuals with the highest uncertainty avoidance level were in the 41–50 age group. Individuals with the highest long-term orientation level were individuals aged 41 and over. Individuals with the lowest risky investment intentions were in the +51 age group. Collectivism and power distance did not differ according to age. There were no differences in the relevant variables according to the level of education. Males have higher levels of risky investment intention, power distance, masculinity and collectivism than females, and married individuals have higher levels of uncertainty avoidance, masculinity and collectivism than singles.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate the impact of conscious and unconscious processes on risky investment intentions together. On the other hand, the number of studies empirically investigating the relationship between phantasy and risky investment intention is quite limited, and the authors have also provided the findings for the existence of a relationship between these two variables.

scholarly journals Antecedents of product placement effectiveness across cultures

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Fong Yee Chan ◽  
Dan Petrovici ◽  
Ben Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Product Placement ◽  
Brand Attitude ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Orientation ◽  
Product Placements ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the marketing literature by developing and testing a conceptual model to examine the effects of product placement across a country low in assertiveness and performance orientation (the UK) and a country high in assertiveness and performance orientation (Hong Kong (HK)). Design/methodology/approach – A content analysis of brand appearances in high grossing films within the UK and HK was conducted followed by a 2×2 between-subjects experiment (n=572). Findings – The results indicate participants exposed to prominent placements have a less positive brand attitude and lower purchase intention toward the placed brand. Likewise, respondents exposed to a less well-known placed brand tend to have a less positive brand attitude and lower purchase intention toward the placed brand. There is evidence of interaction effects with cultural dimensions such as assertiveness and performance orientation within the UK and HK. Practical implications – The results suggest that product placements can be optimized through tailored campaigns targeted at markets with known cultural characteristics. With advances in digital technology, such practices are becoming more frequent and more feasible. Originality/value – This is one of the first studies to explore the effect of culture on perceptions of product placement and the first study to empirically examine the role of prominence and brand awareness, and their interactions with GLOBE values on the effectiveness of product placement.

scholarly journals NATIONAL CULTURE AND TRANSPARENCY: EVIDENCE FROM ISLAMIC BANKS

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-109
Author(s):  
Rochania Ayu Yunanda ◽  
Mohammad Ali Tareq ◽  
Akbariah Binti Mahdzir ◽  
Faried Kurnia Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
The Other ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
National Cultures ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Other Hand

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of predominant cultural values on banking disclosure. On one hand, Islamic banks have practiced Islamic principles which are universal for all countries. Islamic banks are expected to provide transparent information especially in terms of social and Shariah(Islamic) compliant information as Islamic banks claim themselves to have social objectives as the prime consideration. Islamic banks also have Shariah supervisory body to ensure that the banking activities and business operations are in line with Islamic requirements. On the other hand, Hofstede‘s cultural dimensions and Gray‘s hypotheses have rendered remarkable contributions in financial and accounting practices among different nations. Examining 45 Islamic banks in 11 Moslem majority countries, this paper focuses on four particular cultural dimensions namely individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance and whether these dimensions have an impact on transparency. This study found that two out of four national cultures still have significant effect on the transparency level in Moslem majority countries.

Beyond monetary motivation: the moderation of Hofstede's cultural dimensions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Tetteh ◽  
Rebecca Dei Mensah ◽  
Christian Narh Opata ◽  
Gloria Nana Yaa Asirifua Agyapong
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Mobile Telecommunication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Hofstede’S Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

PurposeThis study explicitly examines how Hofstede's cultural dimensions moderate the relationship between nonmonetary motivation factors and performance.Design/methodology/approachThrough the simple random sampling technique, the hypotheses were tested with a sample of 604 employees from a mobile telecommunication company operating in both China and Ghana, two countries that represent two same and opposite cultural poles on Hofstede's cultural dimensions.FindingsThe results point that employee motives such as relationship, supervision, challenging work and achievement are moderated by cultural values. Whilst employees with high power distance cultural values are highly motivated by high supervision, those with low individualistic cultural values are highly motivated by high relationship. The results also depict that whilst the interaction effects between supervision and power distance and relationship and individualism on performance were marginal for both China and Ghana samples, the interaction effect of achievement and masculinity as well as challenging work and uncertainty avoidance on performance had great differences due to the different cultural values for the two countries.Practical implicationsThis study implies that, as organizations are devising strategies to lower personnel costs in a recessionary period, there is the need to redesign motivation factors that go beyond monetary means and based on the cultural background of an employee in order to improve performance.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies that focused on nonmonetary motives from a cultural management perspective with samples from emerging economies.

Social network behavior inappropriateness: the role of individual-level espoused national cultural values

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjul Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
The United States ◽  
Uncertainty Avoidance ◽  
Network Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level

PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to investigate the effects of individual-level (espoused) cultural values (collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity and long-term orientation) on the individuals' acceptability of inappropriate social network behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs survey data collected from 482 social network users (261 in the United States and 221 from India).FindingsResults show that individuals with high power distance, masculinity and long-term oriented cultural values are more accepting of inappropriate social network behaviors of others, while those with strong uncertainty avoidance cultural values have high degree of social network behavior inappropriateness, which is defined as the extent to which behaviors of social network users are considered unacceptable by others.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper highlights the need for more academic research on the intersection of culture and social network behaviors. This study emphasizes the need for adopting an interdisciplinary approach to understand individuals' social network behaviors.Practical implicationsThe paper offers recommendations to global organizations pertaining to the need for creating social network policies in such a way that encourages their global workforce to openly, yet respectfully, share their ideas using social networks.Originality/valueUsing an interdisciplinary approach, the present study extends our understanding of a recently proposed social network behavioral inappropriateness construct and explains how differences in cultural values may lead to differences in individuals' social network behaviors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document