Uncertainty Avoidance(不确定性规避)

Uncertainty Avoidance(不确定性规避)According to Hofstede(1998), uncertainty avoidance refers to the lack of tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty and the need for formal rules and high-level organizational structure.

Uncertainty Avoidance includes two forms: Low uncertainty Avoidance High uncertainty Avoidance

Cultures of low uncertainty avoidance have less concern about ambiguity and uncertainty and have more tolerance for a variety of opinions. (U.S.,Canada,Great Britain…)

Cultures of high uncertainty avoidance have a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity.(France,Japan…)

1.There is a strong winglingness to live day by day. 2.People have low level of stress.

low

There is greater anxiety about the future. People have high level of stress.

high

People are more risk-taking.

One hopes for success.

low

People are less risk-taking. Failure is feared.

high

1.Superordinates may say “I don’t know.” 2.Less formal organizational structures are desired.

low

Superordinates have all the answers. Formal organizational structures are desired.

high

Low Uncertainty Avoidance High Uncertainty Avoidance

Less emotional resistance to change Little loyalty to one’s employer Initiative) of subordinates is encouragedDifferences are tolerated Sometimes rules can be broken.

More emotional resistance to change More loyalty to one’s employer Initiative of subordinates is discouragedDifferences are dangerous Rules can be broken.

Some characteristics of business culture.

low

high

low

high

low

high

The Score of Uncertainty Avoidance Index10个国家和地区不确定性回避得分 100上 80 (50,70) 中 60 下 40

20 0 美 国 不确定性回避 46 德 国 65 日 本 92 法 国 86 荷 兰 53 香 港 29 印 尼 48 西 非 54 中 国 60 俄 国 9016