Cultural dimension by Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck

Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck (Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck, 1961) divided cultural dimensions into five groups in 1961 (Exhibit 9-7). The first defines the relationship of human with nature. Some people in this dimension seek mastery and dominance over nature, seek to adapt nature to their needs. In such societies, infrastructure and other human well-being are created and technocratic achievements are highly valued. The opposite is societies that are focused on harmony with nature, on the search for balance. Harmony-oriented people seek to reconcile with the surrounding environment, often these are very religious societies, in such societies, religion is often associated with natural phenomena, sometimes pagan motifs prevail. In these societies, the human being is considered only a part of the Universe, of the Earth of the nature, and the human being has to obey nature and destiny. Such manifestations of the cultural dimension can be found not only in countries of pagan religions, but also in Christian South American countries and Muslim countries. For example, the expression “this is the will of Allah” or “this is the will of God” reflects a person’s reconciliation and recognition of his own insignificance. In the Christian Protestant Anglo, Germanic, Scandinavian cultural clusters, human work is highly valued and worshipped, and human achievements and aspiration to dominate the surrounding environment, to change nature, to challenge the laws of nature, to pursue science and discoveries, is the dominant attitude and behavior. In the countries of purely pagan religions, the surrounding nature and environment is considered higher than man, and man is valued as a servant of nature, whose life must meet the needs of nature and the surrounding ecosystem.

Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s second cultural dimension is about relationships with the people around.

Ex. 9‑7 Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s cultural dimensions

Keywords: Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, cultural dimmension

Three manifestations of the dimension are distinguished here – individualistic, according to which it is believed that the social structure must be formed from each independent individual who puts his own interests above the society, collective, according to which it is believed that the interests of the group are above the individual, but in society all individuals are equal and linear – according to which believes that clear and strict hierarchic relations must prevail in society.

Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s third cultural dimension is about human performance and goal orientation. Three manifestations of the dimension are distinguished here – being, becoming and doing. In societies that value existence, the focus is on the present, on spending good time at this moment, on good feelings and experiences. In societies that value becoming, personal growth, becoming a better person is considered a value, often in such culture’s orientation towards spirituality or moral values prevails. In the culture of doing, the achievement of set goals and the fulfilment of tasks are valued, often this culture is considered materialistic, and for the sake of achieving the set goal, relationships with people, personal happiness, and comfort are sacrificed.

Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s fourth cultural dimension is the relationship with time. Three manifestations of the dimension are distinguished here – orientation towards the past, present and future. In past-oriented cultures, people base their decisions on accumulated experience and information from the past. In present-oriented cultures, people make decisions mostly influenced by current circumstances and situations. In future-oriented cultures, decisions are associated with the achievement of future goals, and the comfort of the present is sacrificed for the sake of future goals.

The fifth cultural dimension of Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck is associated with the belief that human nature is good, neutral or bad. In cultures that believe that all people are inherently good, there is more trust in each other, people are more open and less protected. In some cultures, it is believed that all people are inherently evil and can deceive or harm only when the opportunity arises.