The structure of work perceptions among Hong Kong and United States IS professionals: a multidimensional scaling test of the Hofstede cultural paradigm

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong and United States Information Specialist (IS) professionals' perceptions of work are analyzed according to Hofstede's cultural paradigm. More specifically, the theoretical emphasis of this research is a test of the cultural divergence hypothesis as it relates to the individualism/collectivism dimension of Hofstede's analysis. Further, smallest space analysis, a multidimensional scaling technique, is used to assess the differences between the two cultures. In general, the hypothesized differences between the two cultures is supported, Hong Kong and United States IS professionals differ along the affective facet of work perceptions. Implications of the findings are discussed.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION

General Terms:
Human Factors, Theory