Power Tolerance Unequal distribution of power within organizations is tolerated rather than accepted. Individuals respect authority of the individual rather than the position		1. Power Orientation (PD) The appropriateness and acceptance of the power/authority equation within organizations		Power Respect Unequal distribution of power within an organization is accepted. Individuals accept authority rather than their personal interest.
Uncertainty Acceptance Positive response to change and new opportunities. People tolerate risk and unstructured situations.		2. Uncertainty Orientation UA An emotional response to uncertainty and change		Uncertainty Avoidance Structure and a consistent routine are favored and people tend to be risk averse.
Individualism The interests of the individual take precedence over those of society as a whole.		3. Social Orientation I-C Relative importance of the interest if the individual versus the interests of the collective		Collectivism The interests of society as a whole take precedence over those of the individual.
Male dominated cultures Sex roles are sharply differentiated between gender and work. Women are seen as incapable of performing certain jobs. Males retain the vast majority of positions of authority.		4. Gender Orientation The relationship between gender and the work roles. The extent to which women and men are treated equally in the workforce.		Feminine cultures Sex roles are less clearly defined. Little differentiation is made between men and women in the same jobs. Women can and do attain positions of authority.
Long-Term Outlook Dedication, hard work and self image are valued. "Getting ahead" is more important than today's quality of life.		5. Time Orientation L-T The extent to which individuals in a given culture adopt a long or term outlook concerning work and life		Short-Term Outlook Less emphasis is placed on hard work and ambition. Great value is placed on today's quality of life.

1. WHY ARE WE DOING THIS EXERCISE?

Although the nature of it dictates the subjectivity of the answers, the exercise will test your first impressions of how the cultures of the five countries rate. The test here is twofold. A) to determine the extent of your general knowledge of the flat world in which we live and B) to see to what degree you are able to apply your critical thinking skills in making decisions in conditions of uncertainty.

1. WHAT TO DO?

To the extent that they seem to share the orientations in the left or right side shaded boxes on page one, enter high, medium or low. You may make entries in both the left and right hand boxes for a given country.

1. THE EXERCISE

COUNTRY	ORIENTATION
POWER	UNCERTAINTY	SOCIAL	GENDER	TIME
Left	Right	Left	Right	Left	Right	Left	Right	Left	Right
DENMARK	High			medium
JAPAN
MEXICO
SAUDI ARABIA
USA