Geert Hofstede’s “Six Dimensions of National Culture” is one of the prevalent models used to understand cultural differences across countries. The Dimensions can help understand the workplace, consumer behavior and decision-making, and gives an interesting view into a country’s culture and its people as a whole. Let’s see where Mexico sits in these dimensions.
• For each cultural dimension, guess which option Mexican culture tends to embody.
1. Power Distance. Do you think Mexico tends to have:
A. More cultural hierarchies (class, economic, etc) B. More equal relationships
2. Individualism vs. Collectivism. Does Mexico lean more toward:
3. Masculinity vs. Femininity. Which better describes Mexico?
B. Feminine
4. Uncertainty Avoidance. How does Mexico handle ambiguity?
B. High tolerance for uncertainty
6. Indulgence vs. Restraint. Which fits Mexico better as a society?
Responses and what they tell us about Mexico and its people
1. Power Distance (PDI) The correct answer is (A).
Mexico scores high on Power Distance compared to many other countries. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this means that power is distributed unequally across society, with hierarchies based on class, social status and even age being widely accepted. In Mexico, this translates into a culture where authority is respected, and subordinates often follow instructions without question.
Age and family hierarchies also play an important role, as deference to parents and elders is seen as a sign of respect. In Mexico, gender inequality further reinforces these imbalances. Importantly, this way of being is not actually imposed from above, but rather accepted as a cultural norm. In verbal cases, this manifests itself through the use of the formal “usted” with elders, authority figures or strangers to show respect.
2. Individualism vs. Collectivism The correct answer is (B).
Mexico scores low in Individualism, leaning strongly toward Collectivism. People in collectivistic cultures are ‘‘we-focused,” seeing themselves as part of a family or community first, and as individuals second. Family bonds are central, loyalty runs deep, group goals trump personal ones and community ties shape much of daily life. What resonates is togetherness, belonging and interpersonal connection. It’s worth noting that Mexico does score slightly higher on Individualism than most of its Latin American neighbors. So while collectivist values dominate, there’s also room for personal ambition and independence to shine through.
Interestingly, collectivist cultures tend to see punctuality as a low priority.
3. Masculinity vs. Femininity The correct answer is (A).According to Hofstede, masculinity (MAS) also reflects the extent to which societies reinforce traditional male work roles tied to achievement, control and power. Mexico’s MAS score of 69 places it close to Germany and gives it the second-highest masculinity ranking in Latin America, just below Venezuela.
4. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation The correct answer is (B).
Mexico’s outlook is firmly rooted in the present. Mexico scores low on Hofstede’s Long-Term Orientation dimension, meaning it’s more of a short-term oriented culture. With a score of 24, Mexico shows a clear emphasis on maintaining cultural heritage and celebrating traditions, reflecting pride in national identity and continuity. In these societies, people often prefer quick results, personal stability and the pursuit of happiness over saving or sacrificing for the future. Many people view luck and fate as having a greater impact on success or failure than long-term effort or perseverance.
5. Uncertainty Avoidance The correct answer is (B).
Hofstede’s measurements show us that most Mexicans are not risk-takers. Mexico ranks very highly on Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), with a score of 82. This means a strong preference towards stability, structure and predictability over ambiguity or change. In high uncertainty avoidance cultures like Mexico, people cope with the unknown by relying on strict rules, formal procedures and established traditions that provide a sense of security. In the Mexican context, this shapes everything from business practices and workplace hierarchies to social norms and daily routines.
6. Indulgence vs. Restraint The correct answer is (A).
Let’s be honest. We love Mexico for all of its indulgences. The incredible food, the wonderful people, the gorgeous landscapes … Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Mexico scores the highest of all countries measured in Indulgence. Indulgence reflects the degree to which a society allows free gratification of desires and the enjoyment of life, while restraint emphasizes strict social norms and limited gratification.
With a score of 97, second-highest in the world, Mexico clearly leans toward indulgence, celebrating leisure, optimism and happiness as central cultural values. Mexicans embrace joy and spontaneity.
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