Mark Dionisio, Long and short term Orientation

Long-term and Short-term Orientation is the fifth dimension that Hofstede added after adding the first four Culture Dimensions. Long-term Orientation can be identified with having persistence being defined as a "firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition." It can also be identified by having a sense of shame, thrift which is defined as "the quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully." Finally ordering relationships by status and observing this order. Meanwhile, Short-term Orientation can be associated with personal steadiness and stability, such as trying to get a good education or a good job, protecting your "face" or reputation, and giving the reciprocation of greetings, favors and gifts. In the studies of Hofstede it shows that the Asian countries particularly China, has more of a Long-term Orientation base then elsewhere in the world. Some examples of this would be a chinese student going to school and that child fails a test, that student would feel more shame then someone from the United States because they have different Orientation. Another example would be an Asian family shopping just for the needed objects while a Caucasian family may get something unneeded such as a flat screen television or tickets to a football game. Short-term Orientations examples would be people in the United States trying to get money any means possible for money and their financial stability. Another example of Short-term Orientation would be schools in the United States, students would say hello to fellow students or teachers and if a special event comes give presents to others that seems fit. Just like how both Long-term and Short-term Orientation differ from each other, different cultures differ from each other, so each culture has their own different way of Orientation.