Ugandan Cultural Dimensions

Geert Hofstede is a researcher who studied five dimensions of culture – power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation – among tens of thousands of participants across 40+ countries.

When comparing East Africa (not including Uganda) to the United States, the most interesting difference was the individualism dimension. America scored 91 of 100 in the individualism dimension – the highest of all five dimensions. This score means that our society has relatively loose bonds with others, is more self-reliant, and looks out for ourselves and close family members only. The world average is 43.

Only five other countries have individualism as its highest dimension: Australia (90), the UK (89), the Netherlands and Canada (80), and Italy (76). East Africa scored 27 on the individualism scale, which means they have close family and friendship bonds. They are a society that works together for the collective good.

My Second Year is one where relationships have become increasingly important. While in Uganda, I look forward to observing and participating in what I expect to be an entirely different model of how to relate in community.