Correct option is B
Geert Hofstede developed his famous cultural dimensions theory based on a large-scale research project conducted in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The study analyzed employee value scores from a multinational corporation, which was IBM. Hofstede collected and examined survey data from IBM employees in over 70 countries. This extensive dataset allowed him to identify consistent cultural differences and propose his framework of cultural dimensions such as Power Distance, Individualism vs. Collectivism, Masculinity vs. Femininity, Uncertainty Avoidance, Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation, and Indulgence vs. Restraint. The significance of IBM was that it was a global corporation with a diverse workforce across many nations, making it ideal for cross-cultural research. Other companies like Intel, Pepsico, and Microsoft were not involved in this foundational study.
Information Booster:
The correct answer is IBM because Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory emerged from empirical research conducted on IBM employees worldwide. This study was pioneering in identifying quantifiable cultural values across different nations, shaping how organizations understand international cultural differences. IBM's global presence and uniform corporate culture allowed Hofstede to isolate national culture effects from organizational culture. The research was instrumental in advancing cross-cultural management and international business strategies.
Additional Knowledge:
Intel Ltd: Although Intel is a major multinational technology company, it was not part of Hofstede's original research. Intel’s studies in culture or diversity came later and independently.
Pepsico: Pepsico is a global food and beverage company, but it was not involved in Hofstede’s foundational cultural study.
Microsoft: Microsoft is a leading multinational in software and technology, but Hofstede’s research predated Microsoft’s global expansion and was unrelated to this company.
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10 Questions
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