Page 50 - Crossing Cultural Boundaries - Cees den Teuling

accessibility and/or the non-existence of research on cultural issues for each of the Republics and Regions in Russia, separately.
The scores for Russia on the Hofstede dimensions are described below.
Power Distance score is very high in Russia (93) especiallycompared to Germany (35) and the Netherlands (35). It reflects the situation where holders of power are extremely distant in society. The great discrepancy between the less and the more powerful persons, leads to a prominent use of status symbols. Behaviour should reflect and represent the status roles in all areas of interactions. The approach should be top-
down and provide clear instructions for any task.
Individualism-Collectivism score in Russia is 39. This score is rather low
compared to Germany (69) and the Netherlands (80). The fundamental issue, addressed by this dimension is the degree of interdependence a society allows among its members. In collectivistic societies, people belong to “in-groups”, demanding loyalty in exchange of care and “inclusiveness”. The “nucleus” family is extremely important in survival, obtaining information, to be introduced to powerful networks. Communication is on personal basis, authentic and trustful towards the recipient.
Russia’s score on Masculinity – Femininity is 36. This relatively low score (Germany 66, the Netherlands 14) may seem surprising in regard to the preference for status symbols, related to the High-Power Distance. In working conditions, as well as in meeting with strangers, Russians understate their personal achievements and capacities. Dominant appearance is accepted when it stems from the first-in-command, the leader, but is not appreciated among colleagues and peers.
Uncertainty Avoidance is quite high in Russia (s(95), compared to other cultures (Germany 65, the Netherlands 53). A seriously complicated bureaucratic system has been established and is in general treated with respect and caution by the majority of the citizens. Russian society deals with the ambiguity to the unknown future with experience of a threatening anxiety, twofold: should we try to control the future or just let it happen? For example, presentations are either not prepared or extremely well- detailed in planning and briefing. In negotiations, Russians prefer to receive detailed context and background information, to avoid any uncertainty. Feeling threatened by the unknown, strong institutions and engrained beliefs are established barriers to avoid the confrontation with any societal uncertainty.
Russia’s score on the Long-term Orientation dimension is 81. This is rather high as well, compared to other cultures (Germany 83, the Netherlands 67). With this score, Russia shows to be a country with a pragmatic mind-set. In dealing with the past and the
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