An investigation of national culture in the United States
by Leahy, Patricia D., Ph.D., CAPELLA UNIVERSITY, 2008, 112 pages; 3303730

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to examine Geert Hofstede's theory on national culture dimensions as it relates to the United States to determine if it is still a viable theory for business applications. It also explored whether or not Hofstede's theory was flawed by not considering the actual or birth nationality of the participants in his study; especially in countries like the United States, which are known for being multicultural. This was achieved by conducting a single country study in the United States using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study found that the culture dimension scores for the United States have changed since originally defined; yet the results related to identification with nationality could not be statistically tested due to the low representation of countries other than the United States. The study also found mixed results regarding whether or not one's nationality determines how one responds to survey questions. Based on a comparison of culture dimension scores between U.S. respondents and non-U.S. respondents the results were marginally conclusive. However, based on the results of interviews, the majority of the non-U.S. respondents felt they answered the questions more like someone from their native country or a combination of their native country and the United States. Overall the study found that the national culture dimensions for the United States as defined by Hofstede have changed and that future studies should consider the actual or birth nationality of the participants.

 
AdviserNaomi Stanford
SchoolCAPELLA UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 69-03, p. , Jun 2008
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsAmerican studies; Cultural anthropology
Publication Number3303730
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