Hofstede

While working on my paper I realized a reoccurring theme that was extremely concerning. Before going to France we are assigned a paper analyzing Hofstede's five cultural dimensions. I used Hofstede's five cultural dimensions to compare and contrast the United States and France. Hofstede's five cultural dimensions are individualism, uncertainty avoidance, power distribution index, masculine/feminine and long-term orientation. One reoccurring theme I noticed throughout the five cultural dimensions was that the United States does not value life enough. However I did not notice this until I started comparing the United States to France. In the United States we live to work. We work long hours to be able to afford a luxurious life style. However in France they work to live. They don't work as long so they are able to spend time with their friends in family instead of being able to afford luxuries. I think that when putting it into perspective it is important for Americans to learn something from the French this is to value what is important in life.