Indivduality
Iran's lowestHofstede ranking is Individuality (IDV) at 41, compared to the Muslim countries average of 38. This manifests itself from close long-term commitments to the member 'group', which is the family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group. Furthermore, I think older generations demand a greater sense of respect within the society as a whole. The survival of the group ensures the survival of the individual. Lastly, harmony and interdependence of group members are stressed and valued. I believe there is a stronger emphasis on having a more indirect/high context manner of communication within Iran.
Masculinity
From what I have read, there seems to be an apparent divide between the socializng of men and women within the Iranian soceity. Examples such as the separate eating areas for men and women in public restaurants and that Conservative Iranians would not invite females over to dinne or to socialize demonstrates this cultural divide. I believe, at least from what I've read about Iran, that it is a masculine domintated country where women are somewhat assertive and competitive,but not as much as the men, so that it shows a gap between
men's values and women's values.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index:
This score indicatesthe society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this
level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of this population is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse. In order for change to come about, it must be an extremely gradual and slow process so that the society as a whole can accept and understand it. Uncertainty avoiding cultures try to minimize the possibility of such situations by strict laws and rules, such as Islamic law, safety and security measures such as the Revolutionary Guards, and on the philosophical and religious level by a belief in absolute Truth; 'there can only be one Truth and we have it'. People in uncertainty avoiding countries are also more emotional, and motivated by inner nervous energy.
Power Distance Index:
Iran has high PowerDistance (PDI) is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage. Examples of this are the following:
-Centralized companies
-Strong hierarchies
-Large gaps in compensation, authority,and respect
Overall, the Power Distance rank of 58 comparesto the Arab (Muslim) World ranking of 80.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The research by this website was conducted in 1972. There should bea more moderate application of these two Hofstede Dimensions, specifically those mentioned below, within the society. However, with the over-throw of the Shah in January of 1979, and the subsequent re-emergence into Islamic fundamentalism, the current Hofstede Dimensions for Iran may conform more closely with other Muslim countries that have higher Uncertainty Avoidance and Power Distance rankings.
Scores found at:
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_iran.shtml
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