Cultural Environments
POWER DISTANCE (PDI)
This element of Hofstede's Cultural Typology indicates the way that power is distributed and all members of society are not equal. Australia is a low power distance country. Cultures with low power distance follow an equal distribution of power. The relationship between bosses and employees in Australian organizations is interdependent in comparison to dependent in a high power distance society.
Like Australia, the United States is considered a low power distance country. The United States ranks just slightly higher than Australia on this scale. This means that the informal way of doing business, that the US is known for, is even less formal in Australia. This means that communication and accessibility is expected at all levels of an organization (Australia).
INDIVIDUALISM
According to Keegan and Green, individualistic cultures are societies in which citizens are mainly concerned with the interests of themselves and their families (2015). Australia is defined as an individualistic society where individuals are focused on personal achievement and are expected to look after themselves and their immediate family. In contrast, countries that follow a collectivist culture, individuals belong to groups that focus on family and group goals over personal achievement.
Again, the United States ranked about the same as Australia in the category of Individualism. This is displayed by promotions and job hiring being based on one's capabilities or hard work (United States). In contrast, in countries with collectivist cultures, such as Japan, promotions and jobs are given based on relationships and are, therefore, often given to family members or close friends.
MASCULINITY
According to Keene and Green, achievement-based cultures are ones in which assertiveness, competitiveness, and material success are emphasized, while nurturing