Examining the Use of Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Construct in International Research: A 25-Year Review

International Business Research, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 3-15, 2010

Posted: 31 Jan 2011

See all articles by Jenny K. Rapp

Jenny K. Rapp

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Richard A. Bernardi

Roger Williams University - Gabelli School of Business; Roger Williams University

Susan M. Bosco

Roger Williams University - Gabelli School of Business

Date Written: December 16, 2010

Abstract

The goal of this research was to determine the manner in which Hofstede’s uncertainty avoidance construct has been incorporated into international research. Hofstede’s work is often referenced in this realm of work, but how, specifically, is it used? This study provides a framework of this dimension from Hofstede’s work that other researchers can use as a resource for planning articles and/or as a benchmark upon which to develop further studies. During our data gathering, we identified 118 articles in the Journal of International Business Studies (i.e., the outlet for his initial article) that used Hofstede’s uncertainty avoidance. Three articles mentioned uncertainty avoidance in the research notes and 15 used uncertainty avoidance to support positions taken in the literature review. Forty-one articles used uncertainty avoidance while explaining their research hypotheses. Of the remaining 59 articles, 29 used Hofstede’s data to compare countries using composite indices, and 30 used uncertainty avoidance as an independent or control variable.

Keywords: Hofstede, Cultural Constructs, Uncertainty Avoidance

Suggested Citation

Rapp, Jenny K. and Bernardi, Richard A. and Bosco, Susan M., Examining the Use of Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Construct in International Research: A 25-Year Review (December 16, 2010). International Business Research, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 3-15, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1726584

Jenny K. Rapp (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Richard A. Bernardi

Roger Williams University - Gabelli School of Business ( email )

Bristol, RI 02809
United States

Roger Williams University ( email )

Bristol, RI 02809
United States

Susan M. Bosco

Roger Williams University - Gabelli School of Business ( email )

Bristol, RI 02809
United States

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