Although Hofstede has conducted an extensive research in the field of cultural differences, his conclusions can only be considered as suggestions, which generalize and simplify reality. In fact, the concept of culture is much more complex and less rigid than it is described through Hofstede dimensions. Therefore, current globalization trends and rapid development of technology can affect national cultures and lead to their partial convergence in response to the contemporary environment. .
I can derive my conclusions from personal experience. The culture of Nigeria, my native country, is described by Hofstede as highly collectivistic and prone to significant power distance, which is coherent with Nigerian tribal structure. Moreover, it is believed to have very low long-term orientation and low masculinity (Ogbonna, 2010). However, these traits do not consider the current differences between the tribes within Nigeria, as well as they fail to acknowledge the social change in the country. Many Nigerian people, like myself, study or leave abroad, and increasingly pursue individualistic goals. The role of families and tribes is also becoming less relevant in the new society, where norms and relationships start to resemble those of the Western countries. This change is also reflected in business relations that are based on the international norms of business conduct. Therefore, I believe, that culture is not static, as it is described by Hofstede, but it constantly evolves in response to the contemporary reality and to the level of country’s involvement into the process of globalization.
Comment 1: Your comment fully reveals your position on the given subject and provides a structured analysis of the topic. Moreover, the use of Liberia as a personal example makes the arguments presented in the text even stronger. Lastly, the critical assessment of the level of impact of globalization on the culture demonstrates a highly analytical and profound approach to the question.
Comment 2: You have provided a very good insight into the topic. However, you could have elaborated a little more on the impact of globalization on culture. Your analysis of this topic is limited to the political freedom, while omitting the way international exposure can change local cultures. Moreover, there is not necessarily a connection of the masculinity level to the participation of women in the economy, since masculinity is cultural and not gender-specific trait in Hofstede analysis. In general, your comment develops the topic very well and provides very illustrative examples, which help to understand the subject matter even clearer.
Response:
The issue developed in the USA Today article definitely makes a solid point and shows that along with the inflow, U.S. is experiencing an outflow of talented entrepreneurs, who have been educated in the best American universities. However, this argument is only applicable if the home countries of these people are eager to accept their citizens back and can provide the opportunities to start-up new businesses. If this is not the case, it is still easier for the young graduates to remain in the U.S., where their skills will be more appreciated. Secondly, the people who leave to their home countries have already embraced some of the “American” values, and by transferring them home they enhance globalization and cultural exchange, increase Independent values and accelerate the change of cultural ideologies. This tendency will have a positive effect both for the U.S. and other countries, since higher degree of cultural convergence will lead to better understanding between countries and foster cooperation on the economical and political levels.
Yet, the article also presents an important concern about the way American system manages the talent pool in the country. While the country invests significant amount of money into educating talented people from abroad, immigration issues prevent this investment from generating any returns for the country. Therefore, additional attention should be brought to creating favourable conditions for creating the necessary legal and cultural environment for the young entrepreneurs to stay in the U.S. and to develop their businesses in the country.
References
Ogbonna, C. (2010). Cultural issues about doing business in Nigeria: Case study for thurmo oy. (Master's thesis, Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences). Retrieved from https://publications.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/16512/ Chidiebere_Ogbonna.pdf?sequence=1
