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Explain Hofstede's five dimensions of culture. Then choose two of these dimensions and relate them to the UAE.

The Geert Hofstede analysis for the United Arab Emirates is almost identical to other Arab countries their Muslim faith plays a large role in the people's lives. Large power distance and uncertainty avoidance are the predominant characteristics for this region. This indicates that it is expected and accepted that leaders separate themselves from the group and issue complete and specific directives. (Joshi 2005)

The Geert Hofstede analysis for the Arab World, that includes the countries of Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, demonstrates the Muslim faith plays a significant role in the people's lives.

Large Power Distance (PDI) (80) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) (68) are predominant Hofstede Dimension characteristics for the countries in this region. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. (The Economist 2006) They are also highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society.

When these two Dimensions are combined, it creates a situation where leaders have virtually ultimate power and authority, and the rules, laws and regulations developed by those in power reinforce their own leadership and control. It is not unusual for new leadership to arise from armed insurrection - the ultimate power, rather than from diplomatic or democratic change. (Dev 2005)

The high Power Distance (PDI) ranking is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. These populations have an expectation and acceptance that leaders will separate themselves from the group and this condition is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage.

The high Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) ranking of 68, indicates the society's low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of these populations is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse. (Kotler 2009)

Explain Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Relate this hierarchy to life in the UAE.

A famous psychologist Abraham Maslow came up with a motivation framework, which covers all area of basic needs of an individual or society which would satisfy them. The Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs consists of five different levels of needs, from bottom (priority) to top, the Physiology Needs, Safety Needs, Belonging Needs, Esteems Needs and the Self-actualisation Need. (Paul 1997)

Many might argue that this framework is universal; Research shows that Emirate managers place Self-actualisation Need in the middle of the pyramid while placing the Belonging Needs, Esteems Need at the top, and others remind the same. The Emirates value maintenance roles that impact organizational ...