- Harry Banninkstraat 37
Amsterdam
Netherlands - +31653613359
- noneedit
- HUIB WURSTEN Huib is the intellectual father of the “mental Images” he identified 7 combinations of Hofstede dimensi... moreHUIB WURSTEN
Huib is the intellectual father of the “mental Images” he identified 7 combinations of Hofstede dimensions. He published a book about it in 2019: “The 7 Mental Images of National Culture” making it possible to quickly assess most cultures in the world.
WORKED AND LIVED IN
The Netherlands
LANGUAGES
Dutch, English, German
TRAVELS FROM
The Netherlands
ABOUT
Huib is experienced in translating the international and global strategies and policies into the practical consequences for management. Since 1989 he has been working in this field with Fortune top 1000 companies and private organizations in 85 countries on all continents. He did this in the business sector with companies like IBM, 3M, McCain, Quest, Texaco, Vodafone, ABN AMRO, JP MorganChase, Nike and Unilever.
In the public sector, he consulted organization like the IMF in Washington. The Worldbank, the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Europol, UNDP, Council of Europe and the Dutch peacekeeping forces.
He has advised the Russian administration on the influence of culture on political and economic behaviour. He has written an award-winning paper which was published for “Nyfer”, a Research Institute related to Nijenrode University “Mentale Beelden. De invloed van Cultuur op (economisch) Beleid” (Mental Images. The influence of culture on (economic) policies, 1997). An English updated version of the article is available on request. He is fluent in English, German and Dutch.edit
Special of the Culture Impact Journal May 2024
Culture ad Peace
Culture ad Peace
Research Interests:
For Media Literacy, it is necessary to understand both: the deliberate attempts to mislead people by spreading misinformation and the cultural context of communication.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
It's still fresh in our memory. The chaos of the hasty withdrawal of the U.S. and NATO allies from Afghanistan and the earlier failure of nation-building in Iraq. In both cases, the necessity to intervene was partly legitimized by the... more
It's still fresh in our memory. The chaos of the hasty withdrawal of the U.S. and NATO allies from Afghanistan and the earlier failure of nation-building in Iraq. In both cases, the necessity to intervene was partly legitimized by the argument that the states in question were a threat to the international order and safety and the consequent need for regime change. Nation-building is notoriously difficult. Even more difficult if another nation is involved. A report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace looking at U.S. attempts at nationbuilding counted more than 200 interventions. The conclusion was that only two could be seen as a success-Nation-building in Germany and Japan after the second world war.
Editorial of a special on Culture and Art.
Research Interests:
In a globalizing world there is a growing focus on innovation. Businesses and governments are aware of the importance of investing in knowledge and in finding ways to keep up to date, or to get an edge on global competition. In this... more
In a globalizing world there is a growing focus on innovation. Businesses and governments are aware of the importance of investing in knowledge and in finding ways to keep up to date, or to get an edge on global competition. In this article we sort out the cultural elements that play a role in understanding how culture influences innovation. More specifically we analyze how a contemporary concept like "agility" is related to innovation and culture. We discuss the potential barriers by clusters of similar cultures, and give advice how to overcome these barriers. While all of Wursten's 7 Mental Images of Culture are covered, deeper analysis focuses on the Contest, Japan and Machine cultures.]
Research Interests:
THE 7 MENTAL IMAGES OF NATIONAL CULTURE AND THE CORONA VIRUS Drs. Huib Wursten, Author and consultant, Netherlands E-Mail: huibwursten@gmail.com Abstract: It is a challenge to make a fact-based comparison between countries in how they... more
THE 7 MENTAL IMAGES OF NATIONAL CULTURE AND THE CORONA VIRUS
Drs. Huib Wursten,
Author and consultant, Netherlands
E-Mail: huibwursten@gmail.com
Abstract:
It is a challenge to make a fact-based comparison between countries in how they are approaching the Corona virus.
The problem in comparing countries is that official policies are to a high degree identical. Politicians look at how international colleagues are approaching the crisis and have a tendency to copy what they call "best practices".
In finding these issues that are culture specific we have to look through rhetoric and official policies. And also look at the ways the population responds. In the book “The 7 Mental Images of National Culture “(Wursten, 2019), culture clusters are described with specific approaches to management, politics and society.
Analyzing how countries are reacting to the Corona crisis evidence so far, it seems that the acceptance of forceful intervention/coercion by Central Governments is central. Looking at the Mental Images a distinction can be made by the degree of this acceptance. The Hofstede scores on Power-Distance (PDI) and Individualism (IDV) are important here ( Hofstede, Hofstede & Minkov, 2010).
For a short overview of the Hofstede dimensions and the 7 Mental Images see: Notes at the end of this article.
Keywords: Corona crisis, Culture, Mental Images, Government intervention, Coercion, Nudging
Drs. Huib Wursten,
Author and consultant, Netherlands
E-Mail: huibwursten@gmail.com
Abstract:
It is a challenge to make a fact-based comparison between countries in how they are approaching the Corona virus.
The problem in comparing countries is that official policies are to a high degree identical. Politicians look at how international colleagues are approaching the crisis and have a tendency to copy what they call "best practices".
In finding these issues that are culture specific we have to look through rhetoric and official policies. And also look at the ways the population responds. In the book “The 7 Mental Images of National Culture “(Wursten, 2019), culture clusters are described with specific approaches to management, politics and society.
Analyzing how countries are reacting to the Corona crisis evidence so far, it seems that the acceptance of forceful intervention/coercion by Central Governments is central. Looking at the Mental Images a distinction can be made by the degree of this acceptance. The Hofstede scores on Power-Distance (PDI) and Individualism (IDV) are important here ( Hofstede, Hofstede & Minkov, 2010).
For a short overview of the Hofstede dimensions and the 7 Mental Images see: Notes at the end of this article.
Keywords: Corona crisis, Culture, Mental Images, Government intervention, Coercion, Nudging
Making sense of of the challenges in today's confusing world by bringing back diversity to 7 culture clusters. These culture clusters determine the way people in different countries look at leadership, decisionmaking etc. in short... more
Making sense of of the challenges in today's confusing world by bringing back diversity to 7 culture clusters. These culture clusters determine the way people in different countries look at leadership, decisionmaking etc. in short everything that is important in organizational behavior.
This article explores the background of terrorist acts by Non-Western immigrants in Western societies. Based on a cultural analyses definitions are given for the terms “Western and “non Western. Reasons for possible (self) exclusion are... more
This article explores the background of terrorist acts by Non-Western immigrants in Western societies. Based on a cultural analyses definitions are given for the terms “Western and “non Western. Reasons for possible (self) exclusion are explored. The thinking behind extremism and the conditions for the step to terrorism are described. Emphasis is given to research on empathy and the way empathy can be switched off.
Research Interests:
When discussing Diversity and Inclusion, we must know where the shorelines are before building bridges. In this article, 16 shorelines will be discussed. According to the author, these are mainly based on differences in country culture... more
When discussing Diversity and Inclusion, we must know where the shorelines are before building bridges. In this article, 16 shorelines will be discussed. According to the author, these are mainly based on differences in country culture and personality. Some of the shorelines are the consequence of the interaction between Country culture and personality profiles.
Research Interests:
One big question still remains after my 34 years of consultancy in what I prefer to call "Intercultural Management" for top Fortune companies and international organizations: why is this body of knowledge not taken more seriously by major... more
One big question still remains after my 34 years of consultancy in what I prefer to call "Intercultural Management" for top Fortune companies and international organizations: why is this body of knowledge not taken more seriously by major policymakers? Why do Governments seldom invite experts in this field to explain how the values we identify play a decisive role in the way democracy is defined, in the setting up of societal institutions, and in the content of important policies, like economic priority setting, taxing policies, immigration, welfare, etc.? Why is it that in the very diverse European Union, ideas about how values influence leadership and decision-making are not reflected in conscious attempts to align the five systems we can identify? While being involved by Top Fortune companies like IBM, Nike and JPMorgan Chase and international organizations like the EU, the IMF, the World Bank, UNDP, and the ECB, the question remains: why did the cultural interventions not lead to real change? Looking back, some answers are possible as to why the accumulated knowledge in this field only sometimes gets the attention it deserves. It starts already on the level of awareness training.
Research Interests:
Synopsis: The combination of global warming, CO2, and immigration cannot wait to be solved. The polarization of countries is undermining the will to develop joint efforts. The real existing differences need a framing that creates room for... more
Synopsis: The combination of global warming, CO2, and immigration cannot wait to be solved.
The polarization of countries is undermining the will to develop joint efforts.
The real existing differences need a framing that creates room for the acceptance of diversity in approaches. The worst thing that can happen is if a wrong framing creates more tension.
The polarization of countries is undermining the will to develop joint efforts.
The real existing differences need a framing that creates room for the acceptance of diversity in approaches. The worst thing that can happen is if a wrong framing creates more tension.
Research Interests:
The right to have rights, the problem of "Dirty Hands," and the ethics of responsibility.
Research Interests:
Abstract: Frequently, the discussions around D.E.I. are about recognizing the rights of previously excluded groups, mainly based on skin color, gender, or/and sexual preference. The emphasis is then on their representation in the... more
Abstract:
Frequently, the discussions around D.E.I. are about recognizing the rights of previously excluded groups, mainly based on skin color, gender, or/and sexual preference.
The emphasis is then on their representation in the democratic process, the fight against biases and stereotyping and the reparation of past wrongdoings. A new development is adding a B to the abbreviation. It stands for the focus on (a sense of) Belonging. "Even a workplace that has every intention of being D.E.I. sometimes fails to retain employees from underrepresented groups because they don't feel like they belong".
A question that is mostly avoided in this approach to diversity is: how different these groups are in their values and ways of thinking.
This is increasingly important because of urgent global challenges like the energy crisis, climate change, immigration and poverty. Developing solutions requires a real understanding of the differences and how to "bridge "them.
This paper will show how country culture is a gravitational influence in shaping values and ways of thinking. People working together in the same (country) culture share in principle the basic values of that culture. This will be explained in the context of country profiles. Value diversity is, as a result, mostly limited. The differences are on the level of practices and the more superficial layers of culture. In International teams, this is much more complex. Even stronger so in cooperating internationally. It will be shown that seven culture profiles (called "Mental Images") can be distinguished with seven different "rules of the game" for policy-making and management. These different rules of the game also apply to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Solving urgent global challenges cannot be done in isolation. "We are in this together". But to act together, we must understand the differences and bridge them. The seven rules of the game and the consequences for D.E.I.B. will be illustrated with examples. Because of the constraints posed by the length of a Journal paper, one country is chosen for each culture profile.
Frequently, the discussions around D.E.I. are about recognizing the rights of previously excluded groups, mainly based on skin color, gender, or/and sexual preference.
The emphasis is then on their representation in the democratic process, the fight against biases and stereotyping and the reparation of past wrongdoings. A new development is adding a B to the abbreviation. It stands for the focus on (a sense of) Belonging. "Even a workplace that has every intention of being D.E.I. sometimes fails to retain employees from underrepresented groups because they don't feel like they belong".
A question that is mostly avoided in this approach to diversity is: how different these groups are in their values and ways of thinking.
This is increasingly important because of urgent global challenges like the energy crisis, climate change, immigration and poverty. Developing solutions requires a real understanding of the differences and how to "bridge "them.
This paper will show how country culture is a gravitational influence in shaping values and ways of thinking. People working together in the same (country) culture share in principle the basic values of that culture. This will be explained in the context of country profiles. Value diversity is, as a result, mostly limited. The differences are on the level of practices and the more superficial layers of culture. In International teams, this is much more complex. Even stronger so in cooperating internationally. It will be shown that seven culture profiles (called "Mental Images") can be distinguished with seven different "rules of the game" for policy-making and management. These different rules of the game also apply to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Solving urgent global challenges cannot be done in isolation. "We are in this together". But to act together, we must understand the differences and bridge them. The seven rules of the game and the consequences for D.E.I.B. will be illustrated with examples. Because of the constraints posed by the length of a Journal paper, one country is chosen for each culture profile.
Research Interests:
Education is culturally very sensitive. What “works” in one culture might be seen as negative in some other cultures. This paper describes and analyzes the cultural experiences of expat parents from different cultures, primarily of the... more
Education is culturally very sensitive. What “works” in one culture might be seen as negative in some other cultures. This paper describes and analyzes the cultural experiences of expat parents from different cultures, primarily of the Indian and Japanese authors of this paper, sending their kids to schools in The Netherlands.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In a globalizing world there is a growing focus on innovation. Businesses and governments are aware of the importance of investing in knowledge and in finding ways to keep up to date, or to get an edge on global competition. In this... more
In a globalizing world there is a growing focus on innovation. Businesses and governments are aware of the importance of investing in knowledge and in finding ways to keep up to date, or to get an edge on global competition. In this article we sort out the cultural elements that play a role in understanding how culture influences innovation. More specifically we analyze how a contemporary concept like "agility" is related to innovation and culture. We discuss the potential barriers by clusters of similar cultures, and give advice how to overcome these barriers. While all of Wursten's 7 Mental Images of Culture are covered, deeper analysis focuses on the Contest, Japan and Machine cultures.]
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Introduction Human Resource Management: A leading Force or a Palliative? 1. Human Resource Management and Corporate Culture. 2. Recruitment, Selection, and Assessment. 3. Training Managers to Attain Strategic Goals. 4. How HRM Can... more
Introduction Human Resource Management: A leading Force or a Palliative? 1. Human Resource Management and Corporate Culture. 2. Recruitment, Selection, and Assessment. 3. Training Managers to Attain Strategic Goals. 4. How HRM Can Facilitate the Problem--Solving Power of Teams. 5. Building a Learning Organization: A challenge to HR. 6. Leadership Development Across Cultures. 7. From Personal Diagnoses to Web--Based Assessments. 8. Steps Towards Resolving Dilemmas. 9. Creating an Assessment Center. 10. Varieties of Culture Shock. Endnotes. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In a globalizing world there is a growing focus on innovation. Businesses and governments are aware of the importance of investing in knowledge and in finding ways to keep up to date, or to get an edge on global competition. In this... more
In a globalizing world there is a growing focus on innovation. Businesses and governments are aware of the importance of investing in knowledge and in finding ways to keep up to date, or to get an edge on global competition. In this article we sort out the cultural elements that play a role in understanding how culture influences innovation. More specifically we analyze how a contemporary concept like "agility" is related to innovation and culture. We discuss the potential barriers by clusters of similar cultures, and give advice how to overcome these barriers. While all of Wursten's 7 Mental Images of Culture are covered, deeper analysis focuses on the Contest, Japan and Machine cultures.]
Research Interests:
Football is the most popular sport on the planet. It contains tribal elements adorned by rituals that summon emotional aspects and ancestral elements associated with the evolution and interaction of human groups, including competition and... more
Football is the most popular sport on the planet. It contains tribal elements adorned by rituals that summon emotional aspects and ancestral elements associated with the evolution and interaction of human groups, including competition and cooperation. National culture, understood as the groups wise collective mental software is present in all societies and penetrates them in all areas so that the practice of this game cannot be, in different ways, immune to it or "cultural free". In this article we propose to analyze the influence of cultural values both on the disciplinary aspect (total cards shown by referees in the games of various European Football Leagues) as well as the effective time played (ETP) that is, the one that results from the non-interruptions per action of the referee in response to situations that he interprets as being sanctioned (therefore the time required to mark a ball that comes out or a corner that is considered as playing). Our research hypotheses are that the values of national cultures also influence both the number of cards shown and the effective playing time which means that effective playing time of a football match and the cards showing greatly varies according to cultural environment football leagues. This should not, in fact, be a huge surprise because the human activities of interpreting the rules of the game and the use of the power instituted in the figure of the referee are not exempt from the unconscious influence of the cultural context of the referees' origin. In short, with this research we may claim that the cultural background of the origin of referees tends to promote inevitable distortions in the way they intervene in the game to exercise their regulatory power.
Research Interests:
The preparation and implementation of change is highly culturally sensitive. This article explores the influence of cultural differences on the concept of change management. 2 It outlines the important aspects for change in international... more
The preparation and implementation of change is highly culturally sensitive. This article explores the influence of cultural differences on the concept of change management. 2 It outlines the important aspects for change in international organizations and shows us where the potential cultural booby traps lie.
Research Interests:
International marketers struggle to find the best way to tailor pieces of the marketing mix to each country or region. Customizing to each market is effective yet prohibitively costly, and standardizing one approach across the world is... more
International marketers struggle to find the best way to tailor pieces of the marketing mix to each country or region. Customizing to each market is effective yet prohibitively costly, and standardizing one approach across the world is efficient and mostly ineffective. An approach based on cultural differences offers the solution, i.e. efficiency and effective impact. Extensive research of cultural differences among nations has revealed 5 dimensions explaining cultural differences and their implications for marketing. Packaging the dimensions into six regional culture clusters, this article introduces a new approach to segment the globe so marketing efforts are effective, relevant, focussed, and yet efficient. Globalization of
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Executive summary In times like these it is more important than ever to get the most out of our investment in HR Capital. Taking different cultural backgrounds into account will increase motivation, reduce turnover, and help keep your... more
Executive summary In times like these it is more important than ever to get the most out of our investment in HR Capital. Taking different cultural backgrounds into account will increase motivation, reduce turnover, and help keep your best people. Managers can be more effective in coping with the global economic crisis if they simplify the way they manage their staff, taking into account the different cultural backgrounds of their team members and the different cultures in which their business operates. Global practices need to be adapted to local cultural values to increase efficiency.
We are in an identity crisis as a result of globalization. As a result of the frequent confrontation with other cultures, we ask ourselves: where do I come from, who am I, what role has my culture. Many of the answers go back to national... more
We are in an identity crisis as a result of globalization. As a result of the frequent confrontation with other cultures, we ask ourselves: where do I come from, who am I, what role has my culture. Many of the answers go back to national identity. This is not strange because most people feel a special connection with the immediate concrete environment: the place of birth, the language spoken, and the food. Usually, this gives a positive emotion of feeling at home. Moreover, it also creates a positive sense of "mastering" the surrounding community's expectations and frequently subconscious "rules of the game." What is underestimated is the influence of national culture on other aspects of human life. According to Appiah 5C's are influencing Identity: Creed, Country, Culture, Class, Color. .In this paper it will be shown that Country culture has a gravitational influence on all other C's
Research Interests:
In a previous paper on identity (Wursten 2022), the conclusion was that: Identity politics divides "societies into ever smaller, self-regarding groups." This has led to a tendency to incite the resentments of minorities while doing... more
In a previous paper on identity (Wursten 2022), the conclusion was that: Identity politics divides "societies into ever smaller, self-regarding groups." This has led to a tendency to incite the resentments of minorities while doing nothing to build a feeling of urgency for cooperation to cope with the challenges of a shared future. Diversity as a societal issue can be a constructive force only if diverse peoples focus on a rightful fight for equal rights and on a motivation to cope with all societal challenges together. A new inclusive definition of "shared" identity is necessary to do so. We need to balance individual needs and rights to focus on a shared future. We need broader identities rather than narrow ones. Fukuyama (2018) says: "We need to promote creedal national identities built around the foundational ideas of modern liberal democracy and use public policies to assimilate newcomers to those identities deliberately." In this second article on identity, I will discuss this idea of a shared future.
Research Interests:
Executive summary In times like these it is more important than ever to get the most out of our investment in HR Capital. Taking different cultural backgrounds into account will increase motivation, reduce turnover, and help keep your... more
Executive summary In times like these it is more important than ever to get the most out of our investment in HR Capital. Taking different cultural backgrounds into account will increase motivation, reduce turnover, and help keep your best people. Managers can be more effective in coping with the global economic crisis if they simplify the way they manage their staff, taking into account the different cultural backgrounds of their team members and the different cultures in which their business operates. Global practices need to be adapted to local cultural values to increase efficiency.
From an economic viewpoint, it is very lucrative to establish a pan-regional customer service center, able to serve an entire region or continent such as Europe, Latin America, and Asia. In developed countries, labor often makes up as... more
From an economic viewpoint, it is very lucrative to establish a pan-regional customer service center, able to serve an entire region or continent such as Europe, Latin America, and Asia. In developed countries, labor often makes up as much as 60-70% of operating costs, which makes it particularly attractive to relocate customer service to sites where labor cost are but a fraction of what they are at home. Countries and regions such as India, The Philippines, Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe have been especially attractive to such initiatives. Adding into the equation is the issue of the economy of scale; consolidating customer service into one single location or a few allows large call centers to handle large call volumes instead of small call centers handling a variety of issues. On a superficial level, the choice is self-evident.
Research Interests:
Executive summary In times like these it is more important than ever to get the most out of our investment in HR Capital. Taking different cultural backgrounds into account will increase motivation, reduce turnover, and help keep your... more
Executive summary In times like these it is more important than ever to get the most out of our investment in HR Capital. Taking different cultural backgrounds into account will increase motivation, reduce turnover, and help keep your best people. Managers can be more effective in coping with the global economic crisis if they simplify the way they manage their staff, taking into account the different cultural backgrounds of their team members and the different cultures in which their business operates. Global practices need to be adapted to local cultural values to increase efficiency.
Doctors and patients are driven by the culture they are coming from. As a result the interaction between doctor and patients is highly sensitive to culture and will influence the necessary trust from the side of the patient. Authors... more
Doctors and patients are driven by the culture they are coming from. As a result the interaction between doctor and patients is highly sensitive to culture and will influence the necessary trust from the side of the patient. Authors describe the interaction doctor-patient by analyzing five dimensions of culture as found by professor Geert Hofstede. Hofstede carried out worldwide research into the dominant values of countries and the way they influence behavior in families, school, work and organizations. He measured the differences between countries and calculated the scores on each dimension in a range from 0-100. Authors found that in countries with a high score on hierarchy the consult is short, the doctor is informing the patient about his conclusions. In countries with a low score on this dimension the doctor tends to listen more to the patient. In highly individualistic countries the doctor comes direct to the point, as in countries with a low score the doctor tries to build up a relationship before starting the consultation. I highly masculine countries the patient expects the doctor to fulfill his role as an effective professional. In strong uncertainty-avoidance countries doctors emphasize their expert profile. In high scoring countries on long term orientation a combination of formal and alternative treatments by the doctor is possible. Authors end up with suggestions for an effective intercultural doctor-patient relationship.
Research Interests:
Great thinkers like Goethe, Hegel and Voltaire introduced the concept of Zeitgeist which refers to 'The spirit of the time; the taste and outlook characteristic of a period or generation'. They analyzed the way artists are both,... more
Great thinkers like Goethe, Hegel and Voltaire introduced the concept of Zeitgeist which refers to 'The spirit of the time; the taste and outlook characteristic of a period or generation'. They analyzed the way artists are both, influenced by and influencing, the 'Spirit of the time'. This paper aims to tie this 'spirit of the time' with the cultural framework found by Geert Hofstede (Hofstede 2010). This framework is the reflection of repeated worldwide empirical research. In the authors opinion, one of Hofstede's 4 fundamental value dimensions stands out when looking at Zeitgeist and its influence on contemporary art and that is 'Individualism'. It will be shown that this value dimension originally had its roots in Europe and was important in influencing the Zeitgeist in European countries and the countries that were developed mainly by European immigrants. The development of Individualism and its consequences for art will be described in 6 steps. The first 3, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the end of the 80-year war between Spain and the Netherlands are shown to lead to an emphasis on the individual as a critical autonomous actor. Who, as a result, was encouraged to independently investigate the world and to look critically at what worldly and religious authorities were saying. The 4th step is the big turning point that came about during the time of big inventions, roughly between 1850 and 1930. On one hand photography made it possible to make a far more exact copy of reality than could ever be achieved by other means. On the other hand, people like Freud showed that the unconscious had an enormous impact on so called conscious and rational behavior. Einstein made concepts of reality even more questionable by the relativity theory. As a result of this artists were turning their interest from objective realism and aesthetics to the way individuals are subjectively experiencing reality. The 5th step in the development of Individualism is the emphasis on equal rights for all individuals (and minority groups) as formulated in the Universal Declaration of Human rights. It 'legalized' independent
Research Interests:
Great thinkers like Goethe, Hegel and Voltaire introduced the concept of Zeitgeist which refers to 'The spirit of the time; the taste and outlook characteristic of a period or generation'. They analyzed the way artists are both,... more
Great thinkers like Goethe, Hegel and Voltaire introduced the concept of Zeitgeist which refers to 'The spirit of the time; the taste and outlook characteristic of a period or generation'. They analyzed the way artists are both, influenced by and influencing, the 'Spirit of the time'. This paper aims to tie this 'spirit of the time' with the cultural framework found by Geert Hofstede (Hofstede 2010). This framework is the reflection of repeated worldwide empirical research. In the authors opinion, one of Hofstede's 4 fundamental value dimensions stands out when looking at Zeitgeist and its influence on contemporary art and that is 'Individualism'. It will be shown that this value dimension originally had its roots in Europe and was important in influencing the Zeitgeist in European countries and the countries that were developed mainly by European immigrants. The development of Individualism and its consequences for art will be described in 6 steps. The first 3, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the end of the 80-year war between Spain and the Netherlands are shown to lead to an emphasis on the individual as a critical autonomous actor. Who, as a result, was encouraged to independently investigate the world and to look critically at what worldly and religious authorities were saying. The 4th step is the big turning point that came about during the time of big inventions, roughly between 1850 and 1930. On one hand photography made it possible to make a far more exact copy of reality than could ever be achieved by other means. On the other hand, people like Freud showed that the unconscious had an enormous impact on so called conscious and rational behavior. Einstein made concepts of reality even more questionable by the relativity theory. As a result of this artists were turning their interest from objective realism and aesthetics to the way individuals are subjectively experiencing reality. The 5th step in the development of Individualism is the emphasis on equal rights for all individuals (and minority groups) as formulated in the Universal Declaration of Human rights. It 'legalized' independent
Research Interests:
Abstract Football is the most popular sport on the planet. It contains tribal elements adorned by rituals that summon emotional aspects and ancestral elements associated with the evolution and interaction of human groups, including... more
Abstract
Football is the most popular sport on the planet. It contains tribal elements adorned by rituals that summon emotional aspects and ancestral elements associated with the evolution and interaction of human groups, including competition and cooperation. National culture, understood as the groups wise collective mental software is present in all societies and penetrates them in all areas so that the practice of this game cannot be, in different ways, immune to it or “cultural free”. In this article we propose to analyze the influence of cultural values both on the disciplinary aspect (total cards shown by referees in the games of various European Football Leagues) as well as the effective time played (ETP) that is, the one that results from the non-interruptions per action of the referee in response to situations that he interprets as being sanctioned (therefore the time required to mark a ball that comes out or a corner that is considered as playing).
Our research hypotheses are that the values of national cultures also influence both the number of cards shown and the effective playing time which means that effective playing time of a football match and the cards showing greatly varies according to cultural environment football leagues.
This should not, in fact, be a huge surprise because the human activities of interpreting the rules of the game and the use of the power instituted in the figure of the referee are not exempt from the unconscious influence of the cultural context of the referees' origin.
In short, with this research we may claim that the cultural background of the origin of referees tends to promote inevitable distortions in the way they intervene in the game to exercise their regulatory power.
Keywords
Individualism, National Culture, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Effective Playing Time, Total Cards Shown
Football is the most popular sport on the planet. It contains tribal elements adorned by rituals that summon emotional aspects and ancestral elements associated with the evolution and interaction of human groups, including competition and cooperation. National culture, understood as the groups wise collective mental software is present in all societies and penetrates them in all areas so that the practice of this game cannot be, in different ways, immune to it or “cultural free”. In this article we propose to analyze the influence of cultural values both on the disciplinary aspect (total cards shown by referees in the games of various European Football Leagues) as well as the effective time played (ETP) that is, the one that results from the non-interruptions per action of the referee in response to situations that he interprets as being sanctioned (therefore the time required to mark a ball that comes out or a corner that is considered as playing).
Our research hypotheses are that the values of national cultures also influence both the number of cards shown and the effective playing time which means that effective playing time of a football match and the cards showing greatly varies according to cultural environment football leagues.
This should not, in fact, be a huge surprise because the human activities of interpreting the rules of the game and the use of the power instituted in the figure of the referee are not exempt from the unconscious influence of the cultural context of the referees' origin.
In short, with this research we may claim that the cultural background of the origin of referees tends to promote inevitable distortions in the way they intervene in the game to exercise their regulatory power.
Keywords
Individualism, National Culture, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Effective Playing Time, Total Cards Shown
Research Interests:
Football is the most popular sport on the planet. It contains tribal elements adorned by rituals that summon emotional aspects and ancestral elements associated with the evolution and interaction of human groups, including competition and... more
Football is the most popular sport on the planet. It contains tribal elements adorned by rituals that summon emotional aspects and ancestral elements associated with the evolution and interaction of human groups, including competition and cooperation. National culture, understood as the groups wise collective mental software is present in all societies and penetrates them in all areas so that the practice of this game cannot be, in different ways, immune to it or "cultural free". In this article we propose to analyze the influence of cultural values both on the disciplinary aspect (total cards shown by referees in the games of various European Football Leagues) as well as the effective time played (ETP) that is, the one that results from the non-interruptions per action of the referee in response to situations that he interprets as being sanctioned (therefore the time required to mark a ball that comes out or a corner that is considered as playing). Our research hypotheses are that the values of national cultures also influence both the number of cards shown and the effective playing time which means that effective playing time of a football match and the cards showing greatly varies according to cultural environment football leagues. This should not, in fact, be a huge surprise because the human activities of interpreting the rules of the game and the use of the power instituted in the figure of the referee are not exempt from the unconscious influence of the cultural context of the referees' origin. In short, with this research we may claim that the cultural background of the origin of referees tends to promote inevitable distortions in the way they intervene in the game to exercise their regulatory power.
Research Interests:
In this paper Corona revisited we will concentrate on the consequence of one of the dimensions of culture: Uncertainty Avoidance The Contest countries are all scoring low on Uncertainty Avoidance. The paper will describe the resulting... more
In this paper Corona revisited we will concentrate on the consequence of one of the dimensions of culture: Uncertainty Avoidance
The Contest countries are all scoring low on Uncertainty Avoidance. The paper will describe the resulting preference for practitioners and their relatively low esteem for intellectuals and experts.
France and Germany score both high. But the combination with Power distance makes the consequences completely different . The key for this paper is that in the Well-oiled Machine cultures the need for structure and experts is so strong because of the combination of high Uncertainty Avoidance and a low score on the Power Distance index. It is typical for Germans, Austrians, the German speaking Swiss and Hungarians that they internalize the need for stability (“Ordnung muss sein”)
In France, Belgium and Italy experts are also in high esteem. But they score also high on PDI the acceptance of unequal distribution of power . This means that people accept that the top has the privilege and right to decide. The acceptance of top down decision making does not mean that people behave accordingly. The truth is found in a saying: “people only respect what you inspect” (by authorities). The need for structure and expert knowledge is not internalized and as a result the high power distance takes priority over expert credibility. Checking and enforcement after decisions are a must.
In these countries hierarchy (High PDI) takes dominance over UAI (expert knowledge) The Government is given the privilege to make decisions even if the experts advice otherwise. This has been a big problem for the "Stability pact" in the Euro zone. That's ls the reason why the Northern (low PDI) countries are so much against the Euro bonds right now because, in their view, the governments of Solar System cultures do not always opt for the most reasonable expert options. They feel that these Governments act upon a self-interested political agenda.
Keywords: Corona, crisis, Culture, Mental Images, Government intervention, expert credibility
There will be also a short paragraph about the Network. It will refer to research, showing that the deepest need for individual people in these countries is autonomy. (Wursten 2019) That's why Sweden is such a nice example of a country where the Government was very reluctant to intervene during the Corona crisis. The Netherlands is another example. The Government is "promoting the concept of an "intelligent lock-down". Using experts to legitimize certain lock down measurements but referring to the individual responsibility of the citizens to keep 1,5 meter social distance and not to meet more than 3 people. This is not a wording that is coincidental . Respecting as much as possible the autonomy is central in the policy message. The population is very much embracing this policy.
The Contest countries are all scoring low on Uncertainty Avoidance. The paper will describe the resulting preference for practitioners and their relatively low esteem for intellectuals and experts.
France and Germany score both high. But the combination with Power distance makes the consequences completely different . The key for this paper is that in the Well-oiled Machine cultures the need for structure and experts is so strong because of the combination of high Uncertainty Avoidance and a low score on the Power Distance index. It is typical for Germans, Austrians, the German speaking Swiss and Hungarians that they internalize the need for stability (“Ordnung muss sein”)
In France, Belgium and Italy experts are also in high esteem. But they score also high on PDI the acceptance of unequal distribution of power . This means that people accept that the top has the privilege and right to decide. The acceptance of top down decision making does not mean that people behave accordingly. The truth is found in a saying: “people only respect what you inspect” (by authorities). The need for structure and expert knowledge is not internalized and as a result the high power distance takes priority over expert credibility. Checking and enforcement after decisions are a must.
In these countries hierarchy (High PDI) takes dominance over UAI (expert knowledge) The Government is given the privilege to make decisions even if the experts advice otherwise. This has been a big problem for the "Stability pact" in the Euro zone. That's ls the reason why the Northern (low PDI) countries are so much against the Euro bonds right now because, in their view, the governments of Solar System cultures do not always opt for the most reasonable expert options. They feel that these Governments act upon a self-interested political agenda.
Keywords: Corona, crisis, Culture, Mental Images, Government intervention, expert credibility
There will be also a short paragraph about the Network. It will refer to research, showing that the deepest need for individual people in these countries is autonomy. (Wursten 2019) That's why Sweden is such a nice example of a country where the Government was very reluctant to intervene during the Corona crisis. The Netherlands is another example. The Government is "promoting the concept of an "intelligent lock-down". Using experts to legitimize certain lock down measurements but referring to the individual responsibility of the citizens to keep 1,5 meter social distance and not to meet more than 3 people. This is not a wording that is coincidental . Respecting as much as possible the autonomy is central in the policy message. The population is very much embracing this policy.
Democracy is a system to keep different groups and interests in balance. External changes like climate change, wars, mass immigration and changes in trade policies can influence the balance. That is why it is important to see democracy as... more
Democracy is a system to keep different groups and interests in balance. External changes like climate change, wars, mass immigration and changes in trade policies can influence the balance. That is why it is important to see democracy as a process. However, we have to be alert, a process is never completed. When changing the rules of the process we have to be alert that the citizens of democratic countries still have the perception that they are heard and have control over their own destiny. In this paper some elements are described that can influence this perception of being in control.
Research Interests:
Summary: 1. Happiness can be defined as “ the deepest attainable inner peace”. 2. Happiness requires some notion of constraint. Civilization over time takes the shape of increased impulse control. 3. It also requires a degree... more
Summary:
1. Happiness can be defined as “ the deepest attainable inner peace”.
2. Happiness requires some notion of constraint. Civilization over time takes the shape of increased impulse control.
3. It also requires a degree of autonomy. A feeling by people that they are in control of their own lives
4. Those societies with strong concepts of constraint and autonomy within their cultures are markedly happier than others. They are also markedly wealthier. The ‘network’ countries - which also share a strong value of ‘Femininity’ are a standout example
5. Societies that do not have strong values of internal constraint and autonomy are markedly less happy.
6. But all is not lost for hierarchical societies – Governments can take resolute ‘Top down’ action to reinforce a narrow interpretation of rule of law and institutions enforcing the rules. This can restore a sense of being in control of their life to people.
Keywords: Culture, happiness, constraint, Mental Images, autonomy.
1. Happiness can be defined as “ the deepest attainable inner peace”.
2. Happiness requires some notion of constraint. Civilization over time takes the shape of increased impulse control.
3. It also requires a degree of autonomy. A feeling by people that they are in control of their own lives
4. Those societies with strong concepts of constraint and autonomy within their cultures are markedly happier than others. They are also markedly wealthier. The ‘network’ countries - which also share a strong value of ‘Femininity’ are a standout example
5. Societies that do not have strong values of internal constraint and autonomy are markedly less happy.
6. But all is not lost for hierarchical societies – Governments can take resolute ‘Top down’ action to reinforce a narrow interpretation of rule of law and institutions enforcing the rules. This can restore a sense of being in control of their life to people.
Keywords: Culture, happiness, constraint, Mental Images, autonomy.
Research Interests:
Increasingly in societal and political discussions tensions develop between people who claim to be " citizens of the world " and people who defend the idea that values differ per country and that the nation state (*1) is still the source... more
Increasingly in societal and political discussions tensions develop between people who claim to be " citizens of the world " and people who defend the idea that values differ per country and that the nation state (*1) is still the source of preferences around right and wrong. Because of the sensitivities and to avoid misunderstandings, it is important to identify the different levels of what culture can mean in the, often, heated discussions.
Increasingly in societal and political discussions tensions develop between people who claim to be " citizens of the world " and people who defend the idea that values differ per country and that the nation state (*1) is still the source... more
Increasingly in societal and political discussions tensions develop between people who claim to be " citizens of the world " and people who defend the idea that values differ per country and that the nation state (*1) is still the source of preferences around right and wrong. Because of the sensitivities and to avoid misunderstandings, it is important to identify the different levels of what culture can mean in the, often, heated discussions.
In this article Huib Wursten describes the characteristics of the Dutch cultural mindset and the way this influences organizational behavior.Historical examples are included.
Research Interests:
Summary: This article explores the background of terrorist acts by Non-Western immigrants in Western societies. Based on a cultural analysis definitions are given for the terms “Western and “non Western. This is the general distinction... more
Summary:
This article explores the background of terrorist acts by Non-Western immigrants in Western societies. Based on a cultural analysis definitions are given for the terms “Western and “non Western. This is the general distinction found in newspapers and in news programs on television. Mostly the distinction is taken for granted and is not defined. In this article the terminology is analyzed in cultural terms. The degree of Individualism is found to explain the distinction. This is leading to concrete differences in the perception of what constitutes “the rule of law”.
The article is not on terrorism in general. It is only analyzing the issue that terrorism in Europe is mostly committed by second / third generation of immigrant children from non-western cultures. Some mechanisms are described why this might happen. Terrorism in general is however part of the human condition.
Reasons for possible (self) exclusion are explored. The thinking behind extremism and the conditions for the step to terrorism are described. Emphasis is given to research on empathy and the way empathy can be switched off.
A few suggestions are given for policies to diminish tendencies to extremism and the next step terrorism.
This article explores the background of terrorist acts by Non-Western immigrants in Western societies. Based on a cultural analysis definitions are given for the terms “Western and “non Western. This is the general distinction found in newspapers and in news programs on television. Mostly the distinction is taken for granted and is not defined. In this article the terminology is analyzed in cultural terms. The degree of Individualism is found to explain the distinction. This is leading to concrete differences in the perception of what constitutes “the rule of law”.
The article is not on terrorism in general. It is only analyzing the issue that terrorism in Europe is mostly committed by second / third generation of immigrant children from non-western cultures. Some mechanisms are described why this might happen. Terrorism in general is however part of the human condition.
Reasons for possible (self) exclusion are explored. The thinking behind extremism and the conditions for the step to terrorism are described. Emphasis is given to research on empathy and the way empathy can be switched off.
A few suggestions are given for policies to diminish tendencies to extremism and the next step terrorism.
Research Interests:
Effectief Coachen van verschillende culturen. Verschillende culturen vragen verschil in coaching stijl. Actiontypes geven een half beeld. De andere helft is cultuur. huib wursten. tom fadrhonc Voetbal is een reflectie van globalisering.... more
Effectief Coachen van verschillende culturen. Verschillende culturen vragen verschil in coaching stijl. Actiontypes geven een half beeld. De andere helft is cultuur. huib wursten. tom fadrhonc Voetbal is een reflectie van globalisering. In het betaalde voetbal zien we steeds meer dat in de opstelling spelers van tot wel 11 nationaliteiten in het veld staan. Ook in jeugdopleidingen en in het amateur voetbal is deze tendens merkbaar. Het is geen uitzondering om spelers van Marokkaanse, Turkse, Surinaamse, Antilliaanse, Afrikaanse, Belgische, Duitse en andere achtergronden in de opleiding te hebben. Diversiteit in teams van iedere leeftijd wordt steeds groter. Terecht is er steeds meer belangstelling voor het begeleiden van coaches met het " managen " van de spelers als individu en als groep. Zo is er belangstelling voor de invloed van de context van de " moderne tijd " op het gedrag. Teun Gerbrands, algemeen directeur van AZ schreef een analyse over het omgaan met spelers van deze generatie: " Het managen van de Voetballer van de 21 ste eeuw ". Met name lifestyle problemen komen aan de orde. De verleidingen van bioscoop, gamen, twitter en disco zijn groot. Als coach krijg je daarmee te maken. Je zult daar een beleid op moeten maken. Ook het feit dat spelers minder volgzaam zijn en alleen respect hebben voor de beste coaches komen bij Gerbrands aan de orde. Naast deze analyse van de invloed van de 21 ste eeuw op de nieuwe generatie is er ook belangstelling in de voetbal wereld voor de individuele persoonlijkheid van de speler. Er is veel aandacht voor het begrijpen van hoe en waar persoonlijkheden van spelers aanleiding geven tot een andere benadering door de coach. NOC*NSF topsport manager Peter Murphy introduceerde de Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), een psychologische test die sinds 1962 in het bedrijfsleven gebruikt wordt voor persoonlijkheid onderzoeken, om sport coaching naar een hoger plan te liften. Katharine Briggs en haar dochter Isabel Briggs Meyers kwamen tot zestien psychologische types. Deze types zijn verder onderzocht en door Murphy uitgewerkt tot de zestien Action Types. Hierover schreef hij samen met sportpsycholoog Jan Huijbers het boek " Totaalcoachen ". Dit artikel geeft aandacht aan de andere 50% in het begrijpen van menselijke gedragingen: cultuur. Naast de algemeen menselijke trekken die wereldwijd geldig zijn en het onderscheiden van datgene wat ons als individu karakteriseert is er iets wat de waarden van cultuur tot cultuur anders maakt. Deze waarden sturen het opvoedingsproces en beïnvloeden onze voorkeuren in het omgaan met anderen. De invloed van deze voorkeuren is zichtbaar in de voetbalwereld bij het integreren van spelers uit andere culturen. Het is een feit dat met Nederland vergelijkbare culturen zoals Scandinaviers, en met name Denen, na een paar weken al niet meer te onderscheiden zijn van Nederlanders. Belgen daarentegen, ondanks het feit dat ze Itimpartners Effectief coachen van verschillende culturen