Ikea Company Culture: Comparison to Hofstedes Model

Ikea Company Culture: Comparison to Hofstedes Model INTRODUCTION Researchers have never been able to agree on a common definition of culture. Culture is something intangible, something abstract that is difficult to understand and identify exactly what it consists of. The cultural definitions that are focuses on two dimensions: culture systems of shared ideas, values, beliefs and meanings, that is, culture as cognitive systems, or culture as objects and events in a group, that is, culture as transmitted behaviour patterns (Bang, 1999). Culture is a collective phenomenon since it is shared by all people living in the same social environment. It is the collective mental programming which distinguishes the members of a group or category of people from one another. Furthermore, you can divide the cultures after various degrees of mental programming. National Culture is the mental programming at the national level, derived from ones country (Hofstede, 1991). Hofstedes theory:- In 1980, Hofstede conducted research internationally with the company IBM (through 64 countries) to highlight the role of cultural factors (Hofstede, 1991). These factors, called national dimensions, distinguish national cultures. His studies enabled him to distinguish the scales of values to classify, compare and group the countries according to their responses. These scales, which he named dimensions (4 for the first publication of his studies in 1980 and 5 for the edition of 2001) are as follows: Strong uncertainty avoidance / low uncertainty avoidance. Large Power Distance / Low Power Distance. Masculinity / Femininity. Individualism / Collectivism. Long-term Orientation and Orientation short term. The results of his investigations led him to establish indices for each dimension. Then he was able to place the surveyed countries (50 countries) based on their responses to a particular point of these indices. National dimensions of Hofstede are as follows: in terms of power distance (power distance): This concept refers to social inequality, including relations with authority. This can be defined as the degree of acceptance of those who hold less power in the institutions or organizations in a country where power is unevenly distributed. Individualism or collectivism (individualism): collectivism is the rule or not the collective interests over individual interests Masculinity (masculinity) in companies say male behaviours are clearly differentiated: the man must be strong, prevail and s of interest in material success, while the woman is supposed to be more modest, tender and concerned with the quality of life. Conversely, in societies so-called feminine roles between men and wom en become interchangeable. Tolerance for ambiguity (Uncertainty Avoidance): This is the level of acceptance of gray areas in society, relativism at the level of ideas. Temporal perspectives (long-term/short-term orientation): a country can be rated high on this criterion, which means a country with a high degree of long-term orientation corresponds to a culture that values strong perseverance and thrift. Conversely, a short-term orientation means being turned toward the past and present (Hofstede, 1991). These studies are recognized as classics for understanding cultural differences. According to Hodgetts and Luthans, they are a tool starting point to recognize cultural differences and give a direction to achieve business around the world in an efficient. Conversely, it should be noted that Hofstedes work has often been criticized. The main criticism is based on Hofstedes generalization. A countrys culture is a combination of its average citizens properties, or some sort of modal personality . It is a set of likely reactions of citizens with a common mental programming. The reactions leading to the results of Hofstedes study do not occur in the same persons, but only occur statistically more often in the same society (Hofstede, 1991). To confuse the individual level with community level is called the social science of the ecological mistake. It is based on confusion between personality and culture (Hofstede, 1991). These questionnaire data were made in the IBM study is collected from individuals, but for the study of cultures must be compared at the country level. This means that the average values calculated from the dimensions of the responses to each question for respondents from each country. Hofstede do not compare individuals, but what is called central tendency of responses from each country. There is hardly any individual who answer each question so that the average size for his or her group received. Average person from a country does not exist, only an average tendency to respond in a certain way for the whole group of respondents (Hofstede, 1991). This should be a warning not to use the land points that emerged from IBM examination to stereotype. Stereotyping occurs when assumptions about the collective properties of a group applied to an individual from the group (Hofstede, 1991). Another criticism is all about timing. Are Hofstedes research, commissioned by more than 30 years ago still relevant? Hofstede says that although the national characteristics of our modern times gives the impression of having that changed and we wear the same clothes all over the world, we see the same movies, eat the same food, consuming the same products, performing the same sport, so has our deep-seated values are not changed and will not do it for centuries, despite an increasingly globalized world (Hofstede, 1991). It should also be taken into consideration that the four dimensions was chosen precisely because they differ between countries. Hofstede mentions nothing that is unique to a particular culture, indeed in this respect should each country be free to establish their own unique cultural dimensions. Trompenaars Hampden theory:-Trompenaars is another Dutch business author who is considered an authority on international culture and its effect on organizational work. Quite like Hofstede, Trompenaars Hampden Turner divide the cultural differences across six specific dimensions: particularism universalism collectivism individualism overall vision vision for detail ascribed status status acquired exogenous motivation motivation endogenous synchronic time time sequence Particularism universalism The first dilemma raised by the authors is the dilemma between sameness and uniqueness. Universalist cultures, like the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, emphasizing the similarity impose common laws. Insisting on equality, they welcome diversity without discrimination, supporting access to voting for all and making everyone, even the political leaders to the same rules. In these cultures, the practical application of scientific discovery promotes rapid technical progress and development of production and mass consumption (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Among individualistic cultures, there are particular to the side of France, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, China, Japan. Celebrating difference, these cultures energetic foster innovation, product development, sophisticated, refined, and customized. The situations are experienced in a non-industrial: they are personal, intimate and incomparable. However there may rise to xenophobic and discriminatory (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Collectivism individualism Competing values individualism / collectivism is the source of the action and be open about the competition (individualism) or on cooperation (collectivism). In individualistic cultures, like the United States, Great Britain, Australia, the predominance of individual freedom encourages people to take charge. Emerge out of the ordinary people who mobilize immense resources to realize their dreams and explore the unknown, standing out strongly and the community. However, when this is concentrated in the hands of a strong man and greedy, these companies begin exploiting the weak (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Collectivism is based on sharing. France, Singapore and Japan are cultures where it is believed to share the wealth of the surrounding world, so it forces companies to do the training of their employees, it supports long-term bank loans and are motivated by a desire to pass on to future generations a healthy environment. However overprotection may lead to attitudes of free riders and laziness for example, the social support system in U.K. which can easily be exploited by cons to gain financial support from the government. The individual, community member, is trapped in a generous system which requires him to share his wealth if necessary (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Overall vision vision for detail Cultures advocating a vision of the whole are rather sensitive to quality than quantity. South Korea, Japan, France, Venezuela, Mexico are examples of countries with this holistic representation. The benefits of this vision are clearly in the importance given to quality (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). The vision of detail, the culture of precision, are for example the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and recently in Eastern Europe. These cultures analyze problems to find the defective component, and repairing it, arrive at a functioning level. Based on feedback, they increase the satisfaction of individuals constantly responding to specific requests of customers(Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Ascribed status status acquired Cultures are characterized by two basic approaches concerning the social position: the status and acquired the status assigned. Individuals with assigned status often have a strong awareness of their duties towards society, either in financial terms or in moral terms. Their status allows them to transcend the daily battles for them success is not worth any price. They often occupy important positions, some deserved, others falling into the hands of incompetents (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Exogenous motivation motivation endogenous Moral choices of an individual are often guided by virtue, which can sometimes be seen as quality inside sometimes outside the individual. Endogenous motivation often leads the individual to remain faithful to his convictions and his conscience, leaving him free to choose their goals and how to achieve them. People who belong to the British or American culture, feeling in control of their destinies, looking to move up the social order. The action is therefore a predominant value at the expense of others as the trigger for example. In this context, the heroes are often the figure of fantasy creatures or cruel (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). The advantage of cultures based on an exogenous motivation based on their contact with the living environment. Thus the Japanese and the Chinese are trying to imitate nature, while objects from manufacturer of dreams, seeking harmony. Instead of being depleted by opposing adversaries, they use their own energy to fight them (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Synchronic time time sequence The final dilemma raised by the authors is the approach time. While the time sequence is divided into seconds and minutes that follow, the time is synchronic repetitive or cyclical events and opportunities repeating. American and Scandinavian cultures, belonging to cultures that measure time in sequence, attach great importance to the time: every minute is important because time is money. Thus, these cultures give rise to many studies on the time and movements. Youth will take some highly valued in a race against time to try to escape death. The individual, trapped in the prison of his employment time, no longer able to enjoy the moment (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Central to the vision of synchronic time is the idea of right time, which is causing such methods just-in-time (JIT). Death does not represent a threat, being followed by a new birth. Several activities can be conducted in parallel, which may lead to permanent distraction. The time is determined by the situation: instead of arriving on time, it is more important to arrive at the right time, which requires an adjustment to others and involves allow time for others (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). IKEA COMPANY CULTURE COMPARISION TO HOFSTEDE MODEL Company Profile: IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, who gave his name to the company based on his initials, as well as from the first letters of Hemgà ¥rden Elmtaryd outside the parish Agunnaryd where he grew up in Smaland (Tore Kull, 1998). IKEA was originally a mail order company which after looking at the exhibited furniture could order them through a catalog. The catalog was to play a central role and came out for the first time in 1953 just in time for the first furniture exhibition opened (Tore Kull, 1998). The foundation had been created for IKEA concept, a catalog at the bottom to attract people to an exhibition, what is now the department store. The first store was built in Smà ¥land Älmhult 1958 and the second store was started up at Kings curve just outside Stockholm. This newly opened department store was a success, self-service was IKEAs sales model and so it has remained. Rational tag-self-storage, efficient and number of checkout counters and a lower pro portion of sales orders gave great impetus to the profitability and turnover. (Tore Kull, 1998) Today, IKEA has 202 stores in 32 countries with more than 127,000 employees worldwide. As of 2009, IKEA had net revenues of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 23.1 billion and net income of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.5 billion. IKEAs Cultural Analysis: IKEA is known the world over, not least for its strong corporate culture. It has its roots in Smà ¥land and in the Swedish culture and is characterized by a number of values. In IKEA we talk about organizational culture as something unique. The so-called Ikea spirit as the founder of IKEA, Ingvar Kamprad is humility before the task and cost-consciousness, should permeate the entire company. As a bearer of culture to management to maintain and disseminate the IKEA cultures values, which is essential for the company and its cultures survival. The maintenance of an organizational culture based on co-workers. In order to attract new employees, retain and develop existing staff have the organization and culture is constantly evolving. According to Salzer (1994), it is a problem for IKEA to maintain the organizational culture and achieve what you stand for in the organization of an international expansion. The IKEA culture is an informal type of culture that is based on a few core values. The values that best describes the IKEA culture is simplicity, cost-consciousness and humility. Their culture may be built around the values but the key is that the words are dressed in action. To IKEA, they mean nothing unless they are translated into action, as a manager you preserve the culture by being a good role model and act in accordance with company values. The values conveyed through symbols. Example of the small power distance related to IKEA, the way in which IKEA managers hands-on participation in daily work. For example, go down to the warehouse and help when something goes wrong, this would be unthinkable for a for a manager in a high power distance index. IKEAs managers are of different nationalities around the world and use different, individual leadership styles, which is not necessarily resemble a Scandinavian leadership model. The key, again, is that it has ikea in the bottom and that ones actions and leadership are based on IKEAs values. The importance of managers working in accordance with the culture illustrates that for IKEA culture takes precedence over the short-term profitability. Based on Hofstedes (1991) dimensions can be IKEAs organizational culture described by a small power distance. IKEA has a relatively flat organization where hierarchy is barely noticeable, the authority comes from knowledge and personality and not from the title and status (Nygaard Bengtsson, 2002). Salzer (1994) argues that the informal clothing style that prevails at IKEA is another example of this low power distance. Managers and employees operate at the same level, eat together and park in the same place (Salzer, 1994). IKEA managers way of hands-on participation in daily work illustrates the low power distance that exists at the company. Contributing down on the floor if something goes wrong is natural for managers at IKEA, it would however be unthinkable for say a director of an Indian or Chinese or French company. At IKEA, establishing a strong group cohesion with its employees is stressed on from the induction itself which is generally applicable in collectivist societies (Hofstede, 1991). At IKEA the attitude is to say we rather than I. I believe this is a clear proof that the IKEA culture is collectivist. IKEA culture is described, however as a feminine culture. What should characterize the relationship between manager and employee is an open, honest dialogue. Cooperation between colleagues to work well. Managers in feminine cultures are more intuitive than the firm (Hofstede, 1991) which fits well into IKEA, which is, as mentioned earlier, applying the decentralized decision-making. IKEA is characterized by low uncertainty avoidance, which is mainly manifested in the decentralized decision-making. Employees at IKEA are encouraged to make their own decisions, they are given freedom with responsibility and is expected to take initiative. (Internal IKEA materials, 1999) CONCLUSION IKEA HOFSTEDE ANALYSIS Small power distance Collectivism Femininity Low uncertainty avoidance IKEAs universal values

Ap World Essay: Compare and Contrast

1 – The ancient civilizations of our past are full of mystery and information. Even though some civilizations were miles apart and in different time periods they created some things that were very similar. The Book of the Dead from Egypt is quite similar to the Code of Hammurabi which is from Babylon. Yet the Code of Hammurabi is also similar to the Ten Commandments which is from Israel but at the same time is similar to an Egyptian student guideline. Though these four things are very different from one another they are also quite similar as well. – The Book of the Dead originated from Egypt. It was a testimony in which Judgment was based on. The testimony basically explains righteousness and purity; that the individual has done nothing wrong or impure. It is the point of when Osiris makes a judgment on whether the soul should live in a heaven like place or something similar to the underworld. This is like if you do something bad when you lived you’ll pay for it in your afterlife; which is very similar to how the Code of Hammurabi is based. 3- The Code of Hammurabi originates from Babylon.It is how people were to behave. Very similar to the phrase,†An eye for an eye, a hand for a hand. † In some cases the quote is taken very literal such as â€Å"195. If a son has struck his father, they shall cut off his hand. † This was the law. 4- The Ten Commandments originated from Israel. They were very similar to laws, except these were created by the God of their religion. Though they are connected to the Code of Hammurabi by law they are also connected to the Book of the Dead. This is because in the Ten Commandments it says â€Å"13- You shall not kill. 4- You shall not commit adultery. 15- You shall not steal. 16†¦. † This in which is similar to the Book of the Dead for it promotes purity and righteousness. 5- The Guidelines for Egyptian students originates from Egypt! The guidelines emphasize to always work hard and to not be lazy. It is the expectations of the students. Even though it was written by fathers to their sons it seems like an enforced rule. The passage basically says Focus on your studies to aim to become a scribe. Since scribes have the most power, â€Å"But the scribe, he directs every work that is in the land! Though this passage seems quite different from the other passages there are some similarities. The expectations of the students â€Å"duty† is similar to the Ten Commandments for the rules are what is expected of them. 6- Even though time barriers and physical barriers separated the Book of the Dead, the Code of Hammurabi, the Ten Commandments, and the Guidelines for Egyptian students they still managed to have many similarities. Some of them were connected by laws, expectations, religions, and/or dedication. Though they are different topics the concepts were all similar.

Chapters 4-6 of The Great Gatsby

Chapters 4-6 of The Great Gatsby revealed a lot about Jay Gatsby to the readers. The first thing to jump out at me was that Jay Gatsby’s real name is actually James Gatz. Also, Gatsby revealed that his parents were originally from the mid-western city of San Francisco. It became clear that Gatsby was living a life of uncertainty and that he was a mystery who chased wealth and greatness. The relationship between Gatsby and Nick changed a lot over these chapters. It is apparent that Nick lost some respect for Gatsby, once he began finding out some key details about his life and where he actually came from. When attending college, Gatsby dropped out after two weeks because he couldn’t handle the hard-working career as a janitor to support himself and make it through college. When Gatsby asks Nick to go to Coney Island, Nick declines his offer. Immediately after, Nick is asked by Gatsby to go swimming, he says that he just needs to go to bed. Now that Nick is finding out about Jay, he doesn’t really want all that much to do with him. Another developing relationship is the one between Gatsby and Daisy, who previously had a thing for each other. Despite being married, Daisy falls in love with Gatsby after Nick sets up for them to see each other in secrecy, without Tom finding out. Gatsby tells Daisy about how he always dreamt about having her love, and being together. Unfortunately for Gatsby, who wants Daisy to leave Tom, Daisy doesn’t have a good time at his next party. Tom, who doesn’t like or trust Gatsby, joined Daisy for the next party to keep an eye out. Obviously, Daisy and Gatsby were unable to connect in the way that they wanted to, and things became awkward and bad. As each chapter unfolds, we are learning more and more about Jay Gatsby, or James Gatz, and who he really is.

The Use Of Yoga And Standard Physical Therapy Essay

Statistical Analysis Outline Quantitative Research Question In older women with osteoarthritis (OA), is there a significant difference in the quality of life between those who participate in yoga and those who participate in standard physical therapy? Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the baseline characteristics of the two intervention groups (yoga and standard physical therapy). The baseline characteristics will include body mass index (BMI) and severity of disease (the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale for osteoarthritis). Hypothesis 1 ï‚ § Null hypothesis: There will be not be a difference between the effect of yoga and standard physical therapy on the WOMAC scale at five weeks in older women diagnosed with OA at a significance level of 0.05. ï‚ § Alternative hypothesis: There will be a difference between the effect of yoga and standard physical therapy on the WOMAC scale at five weeks in older women diagnosed with OA at a significance level of 0.05. ï‚ § Independent variable: Intervention, measured at two levels (yoga and standard physical therapy) and time, measured at two levels (pre and post five weeks); dependent variable: WOMAC scale, measured at two levels (group and over-time). ï‚ § Scale of measurement: The independent variable - intervention is a nominal scale of measurement and time is a ratio scale of measurement; the dependent variable is a ratio scale of measurement ï‚ § Statistical test: Fisher s exact test will be used for nominal scale. ForShow MoreRelatedDoes GRTL Help with ASD and Behavioral Issues?1211 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction: Yoga is one kind of exercise which relaxes our mood, body, and mind. It consists of different body movement like stretching, keeping, different posture, and as well as meditation. Within the article Efficacy of the get ready....a pretest -posttest control group design â€Å"the authors are trying to portray the effects of yoga on children with autism. I chose this article because my son also has autism problem. He is in first grade, and he gets occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speechRead MoreLife Modification For Community Leaders1342 Words   |  6 Pagesconsiderable interest in complementary and alternative medicine. Complementary medicine is the treatments that are used along with standard medical treatments but are not considered to be standard treatments. One example is using acupuncture to help lessen some side effects of cancer treatment. Moreover, Alternative medicine is the treatments that are used instead of standard medical treatments. According to the Nationa l Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the National Center forRead MoreGerontologic Considerations of Diabetes Mellitus1500 Words   |  6 PagesAnother study suggests that diminished insulin sensitivity in the elderly is multifactoral as well. (Chen, Bergman, Pacini, Porte, Jr., 1985) Factors contributing to altered carbohydrate metabolism in aging include obesity and a progressive decline in physical activity. (Lewis et al., 2011) Lastly, the elderly also may take medications that treat comorbidities that effect insulin and glucose. Some of these include coreg, lipitor, corticosteroids, and lotensin. (Vallerand and Sanoski, 2013) Signs and SymptomsRead MoreEffectiveness of Relapse Prevention Therapy1009 Words   |  4 PagesEffectiveness of Relapse Prevention Therapy Effectiveness of Relapse Prevention Therapy Relapse prevention therapy involves employing cognitive behavioral techniques to reduce the recurrence of relapse. One approach to relapse prevention is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), which was designed to reduce rates of relapse based on systematic training in mindfulness meditation combined with cognitive behavioral therapy methods. MBCT is an 8-week group therapy intervention that consists of 8Read MoreYoga Based Interventions For Depression And Anxiety Disorders3738 Words   |  15 Pagesimpact of the combination of occupational therapy services and yoga. Occupational therapists are trained and skilled to help those diagnosed with mental disorders. In addition to traditional Occupational Therapy practices, CAMs (complimentary alternative medicines) such as yoga with emphasis on mindfulness based stress reduction can help those suffering recover more quickly. Purpose: The aim of my research is to see Occupational Therapy interventions and Yoga based interventions effectiveness in youngRead MoreAlternative Healthcare Options Or Alternative Medicine1378 Words   |  6 Pagesand practices that are not part of the standard of care. Standard of care is what medical doctors, doctors of traditional medicine, and allied health professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care. Examples of alternative practices that do not include traditional medicine are aroma therapy, diet therapy, herbalism, homeopathy, massage therapy, reflexology, chiropractic therapy, cannabis, faith or spiritual healing andRead MoreAlternative Healthcare Options For Alternative Medicine1483 Words   |  6 Pageschiropractic therapy, spiritual or faith healing amongst others. Alternative medicine is the term used for medical products and practices that are not part of the standard of care. Standa rd of care is what medical doctors, doctors of traditional medicine, and allied health professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care. Examples of alternative practices that do not include traditional medicine are aroma therapy, diet therapyRead MoreCharacteristics Of Major Depressive Disorder1373 Words   |  6 Pagespsychomotor activity, loss of interest, problems concentrating or making decisions, altered sleep patterns, weight loss or gain, fatigue, recurrent thoughts of death, and feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt. In order to meet the standards for clinical diagnosis, the patient’s symptoms must prevent normal functioning (social, occupational, or otherwise) and cannot be explained alternatively by a medical condition or substance abuse. Personality, heredity, age, gender, and environmentRead MoreThe Mind-Body Connection1982 Words   |  8 Pagesachieve this connection. Yoga is a form of exercise that utilizes both the mind and the body and therefore can be seen as a good way to achieve the mind-body connection. Cardiovascular training aligned with meditation and focused breathing is a great start on your journey towards true happiness; exercise increases the blood flow throughout the body as well as the brain (Mind-body connection attained, 2012). Flexibility is crucial to achieving this connection; training in yoga can increase a person’sRead MoreThe Multidisciplinary Nature of Contemporary Nursing2760 Words   |  11 Pagestake into account the changing dynamics of the market, and needed responses from healthcare. One seminal theory, for instance, that asks the modern nurse to explain their approach to patient care, advocacy, and more modern issues of alternative therapies is Madeline Leningers Multicultural Nursing Paradigm, Synergizing the concept of care and the challenges of both financial management and the changing demographic natur e of nursing, Leiningers model presupposed that the basic practical knowledge