World Café Session 5: Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions & OD (Dimensions 3&4)

Have you ever noticed that your OD methods work well in one context but seem less effective in another cultural environment? Have you considered the cultural assumptions underlying your tools and approaches? What adjustments would be needed to adapt them to various contexts or a more diverse group of people?

In this series of three World Cafés, we are exploring the cultural contextualization of OD instruments and approaches. Using the late Prof. Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture as a framework, we will structure our discussions and analyses.

FOCUS OF THE SESSION

Following two IODA webinars on Hofstede’s dimensions in May and June 2024, there was a shared desire to delve deeper and apply these concepts further. With three World Cafés and six cultural dimensions, we are able to explore two dimensions per session.

Each session begins with a short story or example illustrating an adaptation related to a specific cultural dimension. In breakout groups, you will have the opportunity to share and analyze a tool or approach you often use, guided by thought-provoking questions. Each dimension concludes with a plenary discussion for sharing insights and final remarks before moving on to the next.

On July 27th, we began with the dimensions of Power Distance (Hierarchy) and Individualism vs. Collectivism. This time, on January 25th, our members Alette Vonk and Isaac Peter, will guide us through an engaging exploration of:

• The Tough/Tender Dimension influences how people are motivated in different cultural contexts and how decisions are made.
• The Need for Certainty examines the level of structure required in interventions and solutions. We will also explore whether theory or practice should take precedence in various contexts.

If you missed the previous World Café sessions, no problem—you’re welcome to join us for this one and contribute your insights.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday January 25th
Time: 09:00 New York | 11:00 Santiago | 14:00 London | 15:00 Madrid | 19:30 New Delhi | 22:00 Singapore. Check your time zone here.
Length: 90 minutes
Cost: Free for all. This event is open to IODA members as well as non-members.