hofstedes dimensions
Laos has not been analysed using Hofstede’s dimensions. Based on our own research, we have determined where we
believe Laos would fall within these dimensions.
Power Distance (PDI)
The power distance in Laos is increasing. In 1986, Laos began experimenting with free-market economics. The system has evolved in a similar way to China, with no freedom of speech, zero tolerance for dissidents, and growing wealth among the party elite and military
(Philip, 2012). Although the open market and increased export trade are benefitting the lower classes, with a higher GDP and the country now being classified as “low-middle income”; it is the more elite within Laos society who are reaping the benefits of the system. The current economic system encourages clientelism and corruption, both of which hold back sustainable, more egalitarian development, meaning the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen (Philip, 2012).
Individualism vs Collectivism (IDV)
On the point of individualism vs collectivism, Laos is an unusual case. Collective tradition in the Laos culture expresses itself in work or community tasks. Communities and families band together to work; hold meetings; and celebrate festive occasions. However, the authorities order much of the collective work within communities to ensure that everyone is equally giving back to society.
Interestingly, the Lao people are not as collectivist or conformist as most of their East Asian neighbours. This is because it is a country with 65 ethnic minorities each with their own identity and language (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013). Even the Lao, the largest ethnic group constituting close to half the population is considered a minority in its own country. So collectivism and conformity is a cultural impossibility. An additional force working against the Asian collectivist tendency is the deep Buddhist belief that each individual is responsible for his or her own actions. This leads to people going their own way and not interfering with that of others.
So, although the Laos people may be generally thought of as collectivist, they are much more individualistic than people realize.
Masculinity vs Femininity (MAS)
For this dimension, Laos would be classified in the femininity category. Although it is individualistic, the people have a preference
for cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life, much aligned with the Buddhist perspective of acceptance of the prevailing situation. The Laos people are patient, un-confrontational and non-materialistic, making them highly un-masculine (The Hofstede Centre, 2013).
Uncertainty Avoidance
Again, where Laos falls on the Uncertainty Avoidance scale would surprise many. Countries that hold rigid codes of beliefs are considered to have a strong UAI. Laos’ main religion is Buddhism and the Laos people greatly believe in the ideals set forth by Buddhist teachings (Rook, 2011). Their dedication to Buddhism may classify the country as having a strong uncertainty avoidance, which can be supported by the government’s disdain for dissidents and political or ideological protestors (The Heritage Foundation, 2013). However,
the teachings of Buddhism state that people should be more relaxed in their lives, and more accepting of their situation. The practice of people, the way they treat others, is very important, which means that Laos’ UAI is lowered.
Long-term vs Short-term Orientation
This dimension relates to how prepared a country is for the future, and how willing a country is to adapt to conditions to ensure prosperity and survival. Laos could be considered to have more of a short-term orientation. Economically, the country is utilizing its resources but at an unsustainable rate. Much of the country’s viable land has been sold to other nations, which means that Laos cannot easily retrieve this if they do not agree with how the land is being used, or how quickly the resources on said land are being exported. Although Laos is enjoying the benefits of good trade currently, they may not have adequately prepared for the future. The Laos people are also not considered to be flexible in their beliefs. If a future plan for the society required a change to an accepted practice, it
would not be implemented.
Indulgence vs Restraint
For this dimension, Laos may be considered to lean more towards restraint. The Buddhism teachings state that gratification should be delayed, as this comes with re-incarnation into a higher being. The Laos government also encourages restraint amongst the people,
enforcing rules to create strict social norms. For this reason, Laos would have a low indulgence score.
believe Laos would fall within these dimensions.
Power Distance (PDI)
The power distance in Laos is increasing. In 1986, Laos began experimenting with free-market economics. The system has evolved in a similar way to China, with no freedom of speech, zero tolerance for dissidents, and growing wealth among the party elite and military
(Philip, 2012). Although the open market and increased export trade are benefitting the lower classes, with a higher GDP and the country now being classified as “low-middle income”; it is the more elite within Laos society who are reaping the benefits of the system. The current economic system encourages clientelism and corruption, both of which hold back sustainable, more egalitarian development, meaning the gap between the rich and poor continues to widen (Philip, 2012).
Individualism vs Collectivism (IDV)
On the point of individualism vs collectivism, Laos is an unusual case. Collective tradition in the Laos culture expresses itself in work or community tasks. Communities and families band together to work; hold meetings; and celebrate festive occasions. However, the authorities order much of the collective work within communities to ensure that everyone is equally giving back to society.
Interestingly, the Lao people are not as collectivist or conformist as most of their East Asian neighbours. This is because it is a country with 65 ethnic minorities each with their own identity and language (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013). Even the Lao, the largest ethnic group constituting close to half the population is considered a minority in its own country. So collectivism and conformity is a cultural impossibility. An additional force working against the Asian collectivist tendency is the deep Buddhist belief that each individual is responsible for his or her own actions. This leads to people going their own way and not interfering with that of others.
So, although the Laos people may be generally thought of as collectivist, they are much more individualistic than people realize.
Masculinity vs Femininity (MAS)
For this dimension, Laos would be classified in the femininity category. Although it is individualistic, the people have a preference
for cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life, much aligned with the Buddhist perspective of acceptance of the prevailing situation. The Laos people are patient, un-confrontational and non-materialistic, making them highly un-masculine (The Hofstede Centre, 2013).
Uncertainty Avoidance
Again, where Laos falls on the Uncertainty Avoidance scale would surprise many. Countries that hold rigid codes of beliefs are considered to have a strong UAI. Laos’ main religion is Buddhism and the Laos people greatly believe in the ideals set forth by Buddhist teachings (Rook, 2011). Their dedication to Buddhism may classify the country as having a strong uncertainty avoidance, which can be supported by the government’s disdain for dissidents and political or ideological protestors (The Heritage Foundation, 2013). However,
the teachings of Buddhism state that people should be more relaxed in their lives, and more accepting of their situation. The practice of people, the way they treat others, is very important, which means that Laos’ UAI is lowered.
Long-term vs Short-term Orientation
This dimension relates to how prepared a country is for the future, and how willing a country is to adapt to conditions to ensure prosperity and survival. Laos could be considered to have more of a short-term orientation. Economically, the country is utilizing its resources but at an unsustainable rate. Much of the country’s viable land has been sold to other nations, which means that Laos cannot easily retrieve this if they do not agree with how the land is being used, or how quickly the resources on said land are being exported. Although Laos is enjoying the benefits of good trade currently, they may not have adequately prepared for the future. The Laos people are also not considered to be flexible in their beliefs. If a future plan for the society required a change to an accepted practice, it
would not be implemented.
Indulgence vs Restraint
For this dimension, Laos may be considered to lean more towards restraint. The Buddhism teachings state that gratification should be delayed, as this comes with re-incarnation into a higher being. The Laos government also encourages restraint amongst the people,
enforcing rules to create strict social norms. For this reason, Laos would have a low indulgence score.