Which of hofstedes cultural dimensions explains how human in - SHRM-SCP Practice Questions

The correct answer is A. 

Let's break down Hofstede's cultural dimensions and explain why power distance is the dimension that specifically addresses how human inequality is viewed within a society:

Power Distance:

- Definition: Power distance refers to the extent to which less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.

- Key aspect: This dimension directly deals with how a society handles inequalities among people.

- In high power distance cultures: People accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place without need for further justification.

- In low power distance cultures: People strive to equalize the distribution of power and demand justification for inequalities of power.

Now, let's look at the other dimensions to understand why they don't specifically address the view of human inequality:

B. Individualism versus Collectivism:

- This dimension deals with the degree to which people in a society are integrated into groups.

- It's more about the relationship between the individual and the collective in society, not about inequality.

C. Masculinity versus Femininity:

- This dimension refers to the distribution of values between genders.

- It's about whether a society is more competitive (masculine) or consensus-oriented (feminine), not directly about inequality.

D. Strong versus Weak Uncertainty Avoidance:

- This dimension expresses the degree to which the members of a society feel uncomfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.

- It's about how a culture copes with an unknown future, not about inequality.

Additional points about Power Distance:

1. Societal structure: Power distance reflects how a society structures itself in terms of hierarchy and authority.

2. Acceptance of inequality: In high power distance cultures, there's a greater acceptance of unequal power distribution.

3. Challenging authority: In low power distance cultures, people are more likely to question or challenge authority figures.

4. Organizational implications: This dimension affects how organizations are structured, how decisions are made, and how employees interact with superiors.

5. Educational systems: Power distance also influences educational systems, with high power distance cultures often having more teacher-centered approaches.

6. Political systems: The power distance dimension can be reflected in political systems, with high power distance cultures often having more centralized power structures.

In conclusion, among Hofstede's cultural dimensions, power distance is the one that specifically addresses how human inequality is viewed and accepted within a society. It directly deals with the distribution and acceptance of power, which is at the core of societal inequality.