An exploratory study of Hofstede’s cross‐cultural dimensions in construction projects

Abstract

Singaporean construction firms have increasingly invested in China in recent years. It is, therefore, important for Singaporean construction firms as well as their Chinese counterparts to appreciate and understand each other’s cultural differences/similarities. Although Singapore culture appears to be one based predominately on Chinese culture, there remain differences between the two, which, if not properly understood, can lead to ineffectiveness and misunderstandings. Using the four dimensions of a national culture established by Hofstede, this exploratory study examines what constitute Singapore culture and Chinese culture. Through a survey of Singaporean and Chinese respondents working in China and an analysis of Hofstede’s four dimensions of a national culture, the study extrapolates the cross‐cultural dimensions brought about by the two cultures within the context of construction projects.