CH-3 (GLOBAL TRADE)

HOFSTADE DIMANSIIONS OF CANADA

* Description for each of Hofstede's Dimensions listed below

Canada has Individualism (IDV) as the highest ranking (80) Hofstede Dimension, and is
indicative of a society with a more individualistic attitude and relatively loose bonds with
others. The populace is more self-reliant and looks out for themselves and their close
family members. Privacy is considered the cultural norm and attempts at personal
ingratiating may meet with rebuff.

The majority of Canadians, as well as citizens of other English speaking countries, (see
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States) have Individualism as
their highest ranking Dimension.

Among high IDV countries, success is measured by personal achievement. Canadians

tend to be self-confident and open to discussions on general topics; however, they hold
their personal privacy off limits to all but the closest friends. Canadian's lowest ranking
Dimension is Long Term Orientation at 23, compared to the average of 45 among the 23
countries surveyed for which scores have been calculated. This low LTO ranking is
indicative of societies' belief in meeting its obligations and tends to reflect an
appreciation for cultural traditions.
Canada's Power Distance (PDI) is relatively low, with an index of 39, compared to a
world average of 55. This is indicative of a greater equality between societal levels,
including government, organizations, and even within families. This orientation
reinforces a cooperative interaction across power levels and creates a more stable cultural
environment.

Canada is uncertainty avoidance according to hofstade chart ranked Almost 41. So

according to the chart most of the Canadian people prefer flexible rules and guideline and
informal activities.

Long-Term Orientation (LTO): Acoording the graph Canada follow Short Term
Orientation are respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations, and protecting one's
'face'.

Canadian culture is mixed with both feminine and masculinity because of its british and
French mixe culture.It should be noted there is tension between the French province of
Quebec and other Canadian provinces. Citizens of Quebec tend to be more private and
reserved.

* 1991 Census

Monochronic Time

A monochronic time system means that things are done one at a time and time is
segmented into precise, small units. Under this system time is scheduled, arranged and
managed.

The United States is considered a monochronic society. This perception of time is learned
and rooted in the Industrial Revolution, where "factory life required the labor force to be
on hand and in place at an appointed hour" (Guerrero, DeVito & Hecht, 1999, p. 238).
For Americans, time is a precious resource not to be wasted or taken lightly. "We buy
time, save time, spend time and make time. Our time can be broken down into years,
months, days, hours, minutes, seconds and even milliseconds. We use time to structure
both our daily lives and events that we are planning for the future. We have schedules
that we must follow: appointments that we must go to at a certain time, classes that start
and end at certain times, work schedules that start and end at certain times, and even our
favorite TV shows, that start and end at a certain time.” [1]

As communication scholar Edward T. Hall wrote regarding the American’s viewpoint of

time in the business world, “the schedule is sacred.” Hall says that for monochronic
cultures, such as the American culture, “time is tangible” and viewed as a commodity
where “time is money” or “time is wasted.” The result of this perspective is that
Americans and other monochronic cultures, such as the German and Swiss, place a
paramount value on schedules, tasks and “getting the job done.” These cultures are
committed to regimented schedules and may view those who do not subscribe to the same
perception of time as disrespectful.

Monochronic cultures include Germany, Canada, Switzerland, United States, and

Scandinavia.