Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions focus on which aspects of a country?

Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions specifically focus on underlying values that shape the behavior and attitudes of people within a culture. His research identified several key dimensions, such as individualism versus collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, masculinity versus femininity, long-term versus short-term orientation, and indulgence versus restraint. Each of these dimensions taps into the fundamental beliefs and values that influence how individuals within a culture think and act.

Understanding these underlying cultural values is crucial for businesses and professionals who aim to operate or engage with international markets, as these values dictate not only consumer behavior but also workplace dynamics, negotiation styles, and communication preferences across different countries. In contrast, political systems, economic policies, and historical contexts, while significant in their own right, do not capture the essence of cultural behavior in a manner similar to Hofstede's framework, which directly connects to how people interact and make decisions influenced by their cultural backgrounds.