New Zealand Hofstede

Written Final Assignment

New Zealand is a country that fascinates because of its geographical remoteness and unique culture.

I decided to talk about this country because in my own thinking, I consider New Zealand to be the most advanced country in terms of integration of minorities, living together and respect for traditions despite a large but I think perfectly assimilated immigration.

So I wanted to see if my assumptions were right or if I was totally wrong. For this, I studied power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty aviodance and indulgence.

Concerning the power distance, New Zealand scores 22 according to Hofstede's calculations. This is a relatively low score that shows that there is a hierarchy, but that this hierarchy is easily overwhelmed and that superiors and managers are easily accessible. Communication is very fluid and above all participative, employees have a voice that counts.

This relatively low score is due to the small size of nearly 80% of New Zealand companies, which allows for more direct and easy contacts, and to the arrival of the notion of egalitarianism in the New Zealand culture. (Leadership and culture in New Zealand, J.C. Kennedy)

Now, in terms of individualism, New Zealand scores high and is therefore considered an individualistic country.

However, two visions face each other in the same country. On the one hand, the indigenous Maori people who come from a collectivist culture. On the other hand, European settlers and immigrants who come from an individualistic culture.

This clash between two opposing visions created tensions at the beginning of the 20th century according to Anna Clarke. Many reforms were undertaken by the European part of the population, which was in power, in order to individualize the Maori populations and unify the country in an individualistic culture.

Regarding the masculine aspect of the culture, New Zealand scores 58, which makes it a rather masculine culture.

New Zealanders are proud of their success and make no secret of it. They want at all costs to be the best and to win, as can be seen in rugby in particular. The fact that they want to win at all costs can be seen in the Haka, a war choreography of the Maori people, adopted by everyone in New Zealand culture. It shows a desire to win, even if it means fighting for it.

New Zealand, on the other hand, obtains a fairly neutral score of 49 for uncertainty avoidance. According to Hofstede's calculations, this score therefore shows no real preference.

However, according to J.C. Kennedy, the New Zealand culture would rather be in favour of avoiding uncertainty about the future. Indeed, he explains that the state has been very much involved in business activities and has regulated this sector enormously.

In addition, The New Zealand Survey of Values has come up with a list of the six most important life qualities, with safety coming first.

Finally concerning indulgence, New Zealand scores 75, which indicates an indulgent culture.

On the whole, New Zealanders have no difficulty in expressing their desires, enjoying life and taking time for themselves and for leisure.

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