Motivational Theories and Their Generalizability Across Cultures
Bachelor Thesis Organization and Strategy
Motivational Theories and their Generalizability Across Cultures
Author: Marc van den Hurk S521586 s521586@uvt.nl
Coordinator: A.J.A.M. Naus a.j.a.m.naus@uvt.nl
Word count: 7,411
Bachelor Thesis Organization and Strategy
Management Summary This Bachelor Thesis will yield insights in the applicability of motivational theories across cultures. Within a globalizing working environment this research will provide relevant information on how to motivate employees with a different cultural background. The research combines the theory of Hofstede’s four dimensions (Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism/Collectivism and Masculinity/Femininity) with two theories of motivation; (1) extrinsic motivational theory and (2) intrinsic motivational theory. The Japanese and the Chinese culture are first subjected to the four dimensions of Hofstede, and later they are analyzed for the applicability of one or both motivational theories. The Japanese culture values harmony highly and is very collectivistic. However, the country is tending towards more individuality. Furthermore, the Japanese accept a natural order; which implies a high degree of power distance. In addition to that the Japanese are uncertainty avoidant. Regarding the last dimension of Hofstede Japan can be characterized as shifting from a masculine culture towards a more feminine culture. The Chinese culture shows some resemblance with the Japanese culture. This culture, too, is collectivistic and has a high valuation of harmony. And, again, a high degree of acceptance of hierarchy can be found in the Chinese culture. Furthermore, the Chinese are rather uncertainty avoidant; this can be seen in aspects as fear of the loss of face. On the last dimension of Hofstede, the Chinese score in between, tending a bit more towards femininity. The outcome of this Thesis shows that none of both motivational theories can be applied across cultures. This means
Motivational Theories and their Generalizability Across Cultures
Author: Marc van den Hurk S521586 s521586@uvt.nl
Coordinator: A.J.A.M. Naus a.j.a.m.naus@uvt.nl
Word count: 7,411
Bachelor Thesis Organization and Strategy
Management Summary This Bachelor Thesis will yield insights in the applicability of motivational theories across cultures. Within a globalizing working environment this research will provide relevant information on how to motivate employees with a different cultural background. The research combines the theory of Hofstede’s four dimensions (Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism/Collectivism and Masculinity/Femininity) with two theories of motivation; (1) extrinsic motivational theory and (2) intrinsic motivational theory. The Japanese and the Chinese culture are first subjected to the four dimensions of Hofstede, and later they are analyzed for the applicability of one or both motivational theories. The Japanese culture values harmony highly and is very collectivistic. However, the country is tending towards more individuality. Furthermore, the Japanese accept a natural order; which implies a high degree of power distance. In addition to that the Japanese are uncertainty avoidant. Regarding the last dimension of Hofstede Japan can be characterized as shifting from a masculine culture towards a more feminine culture. The Chinese culture shows some resemblance with the Japanese culture. This culture, too, is collectivistic and has a high valuation of harmony. And, again, a high degree of acceptance of hierarchy can be found in the Chinese culture. Furthermore, the Chinese are rather uncertainty avoidant; this can be seen in aspects as fear of the loss of face. On the last dimension of Hofstede, the Chinese score in between, tending a bit more towards femininity. The outcome of this Thesis shows that none of both motivational theories can be applied across cultures. This means
References: - “Table of economic and business world ranking”, retrieved April 10, 2008 from http://www.gcr.weforum.org/.