Title :
Can Hofstede's Model Explain National Differences in Perceived Information Overload? A Look at Data From the US and New Zealand
Author :
Kock, Ned ; Parente, Ronaldo ; Verville, Jacques
Author_Institution :
Texas A&M Int. Univ., Laredo
fDate :
3/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Hofstede´s cultural dimensions model has been widely used as a basic explanatory and predictive model in a variety of business studies, including studies addressing information management and electronic communication issues. This study aimed at assessing Hofstede´s model by looking into a key issue for information management and electronic communication-information overload. The study compared information overload-related data from the US and New Zealand. The sample involved 108 MBA students who held professional or management positions. Data analyses employed comparisons of means and partial least squares (PLS)-based structural equation modeling techniques. Information overload perceptions in the two countries appear to differ significantly. This finding seems to be inconsistent with the relatively small differences in cultural dimension scores between the US and New Zealand, and with those two countries being placed in the same country cluster in Hofstede´s model. The results call into question the adequacy of Hofstede´s model as a basis to explain information management phenomena.
Keywords :
business data processing; globalisation; information management; Hofstede cultural dimension; business studies; electronic communication; information management; information overload; partial least squares; structural equation modeling; Business communication; Cultural differences; Data analysis; Equations; Global communication; Globalization; Information management; Least squares methods; Predictive models; Uncertainty; Business processes; Hofstede´s model; New Zealand; United States; cultural dimensions; information overload; structural equation modeling;
Journal_Title :
Professional Communication, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPC.2007.2000047