Abstract:

This study aims to re-examine the cultural dimensions of five countries - Poland, Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Israel - among university students, and compare the findings with Hofstede's original country profiles. Employing the Cultural Values Scale questionnaire, we surveyed 340 students across these nations to re-evaluate their values and attitudes across Hofstede's six cultural dimensions: Power Distance, Individualism vs. Collectivism, Masculinity vs. Femininity, Uncertainty Avoidance, Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation, and Indulgence vs. Restraint.

Our findings indicate that while some dimensions remain largely consistent with Hofstede's descriptions, others have shifted significantly, particularly among the younger, more globally connected generation represented by university students. For example, Malta and Portugal showed lower Power Distance scores than Hofstede's country profiles, indicating a greater acceptance of equality and less hierarchical structures among the student population. Israel and Hungary, on the other hand, scored higher on Individualism, suggesting a greater emphasis on personal achievement and independence compared to the collective orientation described by Hofstede.

Interestingly, all five countries scored higher on Indulgence, suggesting that students prioritise the pursuit of pleasure and the fulfilment of their wishes over the self-control stated in Hofstede's model. The aforementioned changes may be ascribed to the escalating process of globalisation, the heightened exposure to a variety of cultures, and the distinctive encounters of the younger cohort.

The findings have important consequences for educational institutions, international organisations, and teams. They emphasise the necessity of adjusting classroom procedures, management tactics, and communication styles to keep up with the changing cultural landscape. To promote cross-cultural partnerships that are inclusive, successful, and productive, it is crucial to gain insight into the subtle differences and shifts in cultural aspects among the upcoming generation of global citizens.

Keywords:

Hofstede's model, cross-cultural comparison, globalisation, intercultural communication, education, management.