An Analysis of Diversity Management Through Cultural Dimensions
Keywords:
cultural dimension, diversity management, values, equality, discriminationAbstract
Dealing with social pressure for equal treatment and opportunities has been one of the most important business issues in modern times.
Countries are dealing with this issue in different ways, with different approaches and levels of maturity according to their values and
particular characteristics. Of all the possible reasons that can justify this disparity, it is assumed that the differences observed in the
level of national culture can denote a plausible explanation for the differences found in the approach to diversity management in distinct
countries.
Therefore, this study has the purpose of investigating the differences in cultural dimensions among the Member States of the European
Union and their impact on the level of diversity management practiced in these countries. The dimensions of culture analyzed are those
described by Geert Hofstede. They are related to power distance, uncertainty avoidance and the role of gender and the individual in the
society. The level of diversity management is determined by the evaluation of corresponding national statistics.
Findings from the correlations between cultural dimensions and the main national statistics were used to build up a framework by
identifying core values which can foster diversity policies. Moreover, the combination of the four cultural dimensions in typologies
identifies countries in the European Union which have a better and worse predisposition, solely with regards to their national culture, to
adopt measures toward diversity management.
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