An Analysis of Diversity Management Through Cultural Dimensions

Dealing with social pressure for equal treatment and opportunities has been one of the most important business issues in modern times. Countries are dealing with this issue in different ways, with different approaches and levels of maturity according to their values and particular characteristics. Of all the possible reasons that can justify this disparity, it is assumed that the differences observed in the level of national culture can denote a plausible explanation for the differences found in the approach to diversity management in distinct countries.Therefore, this study has the purpose of investigating the differences in cultural dimensions among the Member States of the European Union and their impact on the level of diversity management practiced in these countries. The dimensions of culture analyzed are those described by Geert Hofstede. They are related to power distance, uncertainty avoidance and the role of gender and the individual in the society. The level of diversity management is determined by the evaluation of corresponding national statistics.Findings from the correlations between cultural dimensions and the main national statistics were used to build up a framework by identifying core values which can foster diversity policies. Moreover, the combination of the four cultural dimensions in typologies identifies countries in the European Union which have a better and worse predisposition, solely with regards to their national culture, to adopt measures toward diversity management.