This dimension focuses on how cultures adapt to changes with uncertainty, and how to deals with ambiguity. Some countries, planning out the future is mandatory; it’s about being prepared for what is to come in the future. However, there are countries who take a different approach to the unknown. Some countries choose to go with the flow, taking it one day at a time.
For example, in Japan there is a reasonable high uncertainty avoidance (92) compared to countries as Singapore (8). Japan are planning everything carefully they try to avoid the uncertainty. In Japan there is a society that relies on rules, laws and regulations. Japan wants to reduce its risks to the minimum and proceed with changes step by step.
Having a high or low uncertainty avoidance does not make one culture most dominate than another; it only reflects the different personalities within the culture. Although Singapore hold a lower uncertainty avoidance, it does not make it impossible to adhere to strict rules. Both cultures show a concern for the future, but how they act upon it may be different.
Bibliography
(n.d.). Retrieved from The hofstede centre : http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html
Karp, J. (n.d.). Uncertainty avoidance. Retrieved from Encyclopedia of Management: http://mfiles.pl/en/index.php/Uncertainty_avoidance
National Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from The hofstede centre: http://geert-hofstede.com/national-culture.html
Smit, C. (2012, Aug 13). Uncertainty Avoidance. Retrieved from Culture Matters: http://culturematters.com/what-is-uncertainty-avoidance/
Intercultural Studies 