Final Blog

 Hello,

Countries can maybe look similar on the surface, but after you dive deeper and do a bit more research the mindset of each culture behind everyday life could be completely different. I dont know how much Bulgaria and Japan are a good example of this because on the surface they look very different, but I am going to speak about them regardless. Using Hofstede's model it is easier to understand why people are the way they are.

First dimension that im writing about is uncertainty avoidance. Bulgaria is kinda in the middle. We are not akin to chaos, but unexpected situations are handled with calm. Plans always change, it is how life workds. If things go south most Bulgarian would be able to adapt to the situation. Japan, on the other hand, has a very high uncertainty avoidance. The society in this country prefers clear rules, planning in detail and stability. People are at ease when everything is organized and they can predict it. This difference could be felt as soon as you land in Japan, it is in the air. To conclude, Japan feels too structured, life in Bulgaria could be more flexible and improvised at times.

Next on the list is power distance. How do both countries deal with hierarchy and authority? Bulgaria is relativelely high on that scale - 70. In many Bulgarian organizations/companies or families, people expect the "head" to make decisions and to be a respectable and easy to follow man. There is a clear gap between managers and employees, of course some companies is more laid-back, its in more modern enviroments. Japan has a high power distance, but lower than Bulgaria on the Hofstede scale - which I dont agree with. From my experience and from what Ive seen and spoken with people, in Japan the power distance is way hgher. In Japan the hierarchy is important, and it is more based on age or experience. Pople respect authority but leaders are also expected to take responsibility. In both enviroments, respect is very, very important. 

Onto Individualism vs Collectivism. Bulgaria is more collectivist when you compare it to most countries in Western Europe, if not all. Family and friends are so important and people frequently rely on each other. However, Bulgarians can be seen also enjoying independance and self-freedom buuut, still being around people is important. Japan is strongly collectivist, in their culture the group always comes first before the individual. It is a general unwritten rule to think carefully about how your actions affect others, and how you fit into society. You dont really want to stand out. I can appreciate importance for friends and family but Japan takes collectivism to a whole another level. 

Motivation for achievement and success, often called masculinity if we have to follow Hofstede's model. Japan scores high here - 95. Japanese society is extremely competitive and hardworking. Aways heavily focused on success and achievement. People are motivated to perform well and to be best in their field. Bulgaria tends to be more balanced compared to them. I would say very masculine also, but less than Japan, if we perceive masculinity as Hofstede. Success is important but I think your relationships are put at first place and many people also like their quality of life to be good and have some free time. We usually work to live while in Japan they live to work.

Our next and fifth dimension is long-term orientation. Here, Japan is one of the strongest examples in the world scoring... a 100. Their culture focuses on patience and having well layed out long-term goals. People are sacrificing today success for a great one in the future. Bulgaria can be seen as both for me. Maybe a bit more short-term oriented. Many Bulgarians focus on the present and near future rather than having this grandiouse plan that is going to make them rich. Because of our historical and ecnomic uncertainty, thinking decades ahead could be seen as unrealistic. This also heaviliy affects how people save their money, and what do they invest in.

Indulgence vs restraint. My home country leans towards restraint. People control their desires and focus on responsibility. Spending money on fun is done carefully. Japan is even MORE restrained. Self-discipline is in the roots of the country. Openly focusing on enjoyment can be seen as inappropriate. In more indulgent cultures, people freely enjoy life but in these two cultures not so much.

My conclusion is that both countries are very different. Even in the fields they score similarly they are way different in their similar scores. So Hofstede's model still has flow, but that is obvious. Statistics are important but you also have to have an "eye" test.