This workshop unpacks cultural diversity at the national level. The six dimensions that characterise culture at the national level is explained, and practical case studies are used to demonstrate their application in real life situations. It is aimed at anybody that does business across national borders or who is leading multinational teams.

It also provides a sound basis for appreciating diversity in the South African national context. All South Africans who are serious about building a healthy society and successfully integrated organisations, should attend this session.

The workshop is based on the research of Professor Geert Hofstede, author of several books on the subject of national culture, and internationally acknowledged a researcher of repute.

Through the publication of his scholarly book Culture's Consequences (1980, new edition 2001), Geert Hofstede (1928) became the founder of comparative intercultural research. His most famous book, Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind has is translated into approximately 20 languages. He is recognised internationally for having developed the first empirical model of “dimensions“ of national culture, thus establishing a new paradigm for taking account of cultural elements in international economics, communication and cooperation.

The findings of his research and his theoretical ideas are used worldwide in both psychology and management studies.

Workshop Agenda

• Definition of "Culture"

• Cultural bias

• The Different Levels of Culture

• Definition of "Values"

• Cross-cultural Challenges

• The use of Models to describe Complexity

• Hofstede's research

• Stereotyping

• The six "dimensions of Culture"

• Cultural bias in South Africa

• Your individual cultural match

• Six mental images of culture at country level

• The Golde Rules of Intercultural Management

You are guaranteed to leave with a better understand of our diversity and practical ways to turn it into a winning opportunity.

Your Presenter: Bob Waisfisz

Bob is the founder of itim international. Born in The Hague, the Netherlands, is an economist who has worked for the UN and for the industry. Since 1969, he travels extensively and his work has taken him to over 90 countries.

Starting around twenty-five years ago he has developed quick scans to measure actual and desired cultures of organisations, based on research conducted by Geert Hofstede. Bob is the author of the book Constructing the Best Culture to Perform (2015).

Bob will be supported by Coen Bester, CEO of BrainWorks.