UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE

HOFSTEDE

UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE

WHAT IS UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE

The uncertainty avoidance dimension reflects the degree to which a society accepts uncertainty and risk. It explains how people feel and act when dealing with unfamiliar situations.

EXAMPLES

Greece

Singapore

High uncertainty avoidance

Low uncertainty avoidance

COMPARING OUR CULTURES

Differences in our cultures

Spain and Mexico are two countries that are very similar when it comes to tolerating uncertainty. Both have obtained a high score, so it can be said that they do not like change and prefer to have everything in order. Although the scores of Canada and the Netherlands are also quite close, it can be said that Canadians culture is more “uncertainty accepting”, meaning that they have no problem trying new things. In contrast, the Dutch have a slight preference for avoiding uncertainty so they like to follow the rules and have everything under control.

Canada

48

Spain

86

Mexico

82

The Netherlands

53

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