Hofstede's Dimensions of Study Abroad Students
Disciplines
Multicultural Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions are derived from theoretical cultural research used to understand the differences of business in other cultures and organization of cultures as a whole. Hofstede’s characterizes cultures across six dimensions, including: Power Distance, Collectivism vs. Individualism, Uncertainty Avoidance, Femininity vs. Masculinity, Short-Term vs. Long-Term Orientation, and Restraint vs. Indulgence. The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of study abroad experiences on college students’ ratings of Hofstede’s dimensions. We will create a short online survey on students’ personal ratings on the Hofstede dimensions that will be administered to undergraduate Kennesaw State University students who study abroad, before and after their trip during the Spring 2022 semester. We expect students to change in their personal levels of Hofstede’s dimensions to be more consistent with the host country after completing their study abroad trip. We will examine other variables, such as length of time in the country, gender, and cultural background, to see if these affect students’ ratings. This research aims to expand our understanding of links between the changes in the views of participants regarding Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions prior and subsequent to studying abroad.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Amy Buddie
Hofstede's Dimensions of Study Abroad Students
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions are derived from theoretical cultural research used to understand the differences of business in other cultures and organization of cultures as a whole. Hofstede’s characterizes cultures across six dimensions, including: Power Distance, Collectivism vs. Individualism, Uncertainty Avoidance, Femininity vs. Masculinity, Short-Term vs. Long-Term Orientation, and Restraint vs. Indulgence. The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of study abroad experiences on college students’ ratings of Hofstede’s dimensions. We will create a short online survey on students’ personal ratings on the Hofstede dimensions that will be administered to undergraduate Kennesaw State University students who study abroad, before and after their trip during the Spring 2022 semester. We expect students to change in their personal levels of Hofstede’s dimensions to be more consistent with the host country after completing their study abroad trip. We will examine other variables, such as length of time in the country, gender, and cultural background, to see if these affect students’ ratings. This research aims to expand our understanding of links between the changes in the views of participants regarding Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions prior and subsequent to studying abroad.