Intercultural Reflection

Intercultural experiences – Germany vs Moldova

Table of Contents
INTRO .................................................................................................. 2
THE INTERCULTURAL EXPERIENCE ....................................... 3
THE TWO CULTURES ..................................................................... 4
HOFSTEDE'S CULTURAL DIMENSIONS THEORY ................................... 4
THE GRAPH OF THE CULTURAL DIMENSIONS ...................................... 5
THE COMPARISON OF THE TWO CULTURES ......................................... 5
POWER DISTANCE ........................................................................ 5
Moldova ...................................................................................................... 5
Germany...................................................................................................... 5
Conclusion .................................................................................................. 6
INDIVIDUALISM ............................................................................ 6
Moldova ...................................................................................................... 6
Germany...................................................................................................... 6
Conclusion .................................................................................................. 6
MASCULINITY ................................................................................ 7
Moldova ...................................................................................................... 7
Germany...................................................................................................... 7
Conclusion .................................................................................................. 7
UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE ....................................................... 8
Moldova ...................................................................................................... 8
Germany...................................................................................................... 8
Conclusion .................................................................................................. 8
LONG TERM ORIENTATION ........................................................ 9
Moldova ...................................................................................................... 9
Germany...................................................................................................... 9
Conclusion .................................................................................................. 9
INDULGENCE ................................................................................ 9
Moldova ...................................................................................................... 9
Germany.................................................................................................... 10
Conclusion ................................................................................................ 10
CONCLUSION .................................................................................. 10
BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................. 11

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Intro
In our lives we have a lot of experiences, that’s what the life is consists of – experiences. And
we are all aware of the fact that on this small blue planet with almost 8 billion individuals on
it, some differences occurred between humans that separate all of us into cultures.
Once we start to travel, the encounter with other cultures is unavoidable. Therefore, each of
us needs a glimpse of understanding what intercultural awareness means. Even a small insight
in the other person’s culture will make the meeting one hundred times better.
Intercultural experience- that is what I want to talk about in this whole paper, especially mine
experience with other cultures. But first, why do we need these experiences? Where do they
lead to?

Figure 1. Development of Intercultural Competence

As represented in the picture above, intercultural experience is in the middle of the process of
acquiring intercultural competence.

Intercultural competence is the ability to function effectively across cultures, to think and act
appropriately, and to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds
– at home or abroad.1

In order to get to the higher step in the process, we have to start with analysing the initial
conditions the person, the social environment and its cultural background. Then like it’s said
“throw him in the lion’s mouth”, the Intercultural Confrontation that will make him aware of
the other culture. From that arises the Intercultural Experience, some judgments, thoughts,
emotions that will evolve into conclusions, offering ground for further research, knowledge
that lead to self-development, that actually incorporates the Intercultural Learning. After
getting a grip of all the knowledge comes the Intercultural Understanding. But for achieving
the Intercultural competence, more than knowledge is required, also behaviour and emotions.

1
Adapted from Leung, K., Ang, S. and Tan, M.L. (2014), 'Intercultural Competence', Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and
Organizational Behaviour, 1:4889-519. (link)
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The Intercultural Experience
From now on, I will present you my personal Intercultural Experience that occurred between
two beautiful cultures, my own – Moldovan culture, and that of the host country- German
culture.
Two years ago I came to Germany for the first time to start my studies. I came here only with
the stereotypes that every has about the German culture: they don’t like to be late, drink a lot
of beer and are very cold and don’t show emotions.
I had a picture in my mind about Germany, that it will be raining, cloudy, cold and all in grey.
while coming to Cologne, my family and I made a stop in Nürnberg. To be honest, all that I
imagined came to life, it was like I was expecting, and it was kind of depressing. So those
were my thoughts further on the road to Cologne. We arrived in the city on a Friday, it was a
sunny day, we entered the Cologne region and it seemed like we are in fairytale, with small
beautiful houses. I loved this city from the first glimpse.
It all started as a honeymoon2, first month, I didn’t have uni and it felt like a vacation.
Then the second phase of the cultural shock kicked in – the disorientation, where everything
familiar is lost, new things, requirements, rules are overwhelming. For example, I had to take
the bus but I didn’t know how it works, where I have to pay, and I didn’t take it and walk 4
km to the university.
Next came, irritability/ hostility, where everything annoyed me, why it is like this. I have had
to make 4 appointments at the bank, because every time I was missing a document. Why
didn’t they tell me the first time all the necessary documents? I was so angry. Also, another
example, was the Rundfunkbeiträge that I have to pay, and until now I don’t understand why.
I think, I’m still at the adaptation (integration), where I develop the ability to function in this
new culture, still learning and finding new things about the German culture.

Figure 2. Stages of Culture Shock

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Fig 2. Stages of Culture Shock
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The two cultures
In this subpart, I want to underline the difference between my native culture (Moldova) and
the host country culture (Germany).

Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory

For the comparison of the cultures, I will be using Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory.
 Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory is a framework for cross-cultural
communication, developed by Geert Hofstede. It shows the effects of a society's
culture on the values of its members, and how these values relate to behaviour, using a
structure derived from factor analysis.
 The model was initial based on 4 cultural dimensions, after other 2 dimensions were
added. Now it stands with the following:
­ Power Distance Index (PDI): is the level of acceptance by a society of the
unequal distribution of power in institutions3

­ Individualism vs Collectivism (IDV): is the degree to which people in a society

are integrated into groups.3

­ Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI): it deals with a society's tolerance for ambiguity. It

indicates to what extent a culture programs its members to feel either uncomfortable
or comfortable in unstructured situations.3

­ Masculinity vs Femininity (MAS): refers to the distribution of values between

the genders3

­ Long-term orientation vs. short-term orientation (LTO): associates the

connection of the past with the current and future actions/challenges.4

­ Indulgence vs. restraint (IND): Indulgence stands for a society that allows
relatively free gratification of basic and natural human desires related to enjoying life
and having fun. Restraint stands for a society that controls gratification of needs and
regulates it by means of strict social norms.3

Even though Hofstede’s model is used heavily in the industry, it also has its limitations.
First, the average of a country is not representing every individual. There will be always an
exception from the rule. It is more a guide used to understand culture generally, it isn’t a law
set in stone.
Secondly, the data was collected through questionnaires, which also have limitations. Every
detail can influence the answer of the people, starting from the location, time, stress, the
structure of the question, individually asked or in groups.
As well for Moldova, in the Hofstede’s research it is still an estimate, and can be interpreted
as a general superficial description. Therefore, here and there I can deny or confirm the facts
stated by the Hofstede’s model.

3
Hofstede, Geert. "Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context"
4
Wikipedia

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The graph of the cultural dimensions

95
90
83
71
67 66 65

39 40
35
27
19

Power Distance Individualism Masculinity Uncertainty Long Term Indulgence

Avoidance Orientation

Moldova Germany

The comparison of the two cultures

1. POWER DISTANCE
Moldova
With a very high score of 90, Moldova is a nation where power holders are very distant in
society. People in this society accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place, and
which needs no further justification. Hierarchy is reflecting inequalities, and the different
distribution of power justifies the fact that power holders have more benefits than the less
powerful in society. The discrepancy between the less and the more powerful people leads to
a great importance of status symbols.5
In Moldova, everyone is greedy for power, for example, the ex-president of Moldova was
interfering the decision of the parliament and government, while he had only a representative
function of the state, considering that we are a Parliamentary Republic.
In the work place, there is a strong differentiated structure, and no one can take a decision
without informing their superior.
Germany
Highly decentralised and supported by a strong middle class, Germany is not surprisingly
among the lower power distant countries (score 35). Co-determination rights are
comparatively extensive and have to be taken into account by the management. A direct and
participative communication and meeting style is common, control is disliked and leadership
is challenged to show expertise and best accepted when it’s based on it.6

5
Power distance- Moldova
6
Power distance- Germany
5
 Conclusion
In this dimension, Moldova and Germany differ greatly, more as opposites. Therefore, for
me, it was a challenge and a surprise, when I started working and observed a friendly
attitudes of the boss towards all the employees regardless of the rank.

2. INDIVIDUALISM
Moldova
At a low score of 27, Moldova is a collectivist culture. This is evident in the early integration
and close, long-term commitment to a strong, cohesive ‘in-group’. These societies foster
strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for and protects fellow members of
their group. Loyalty is paramount and overrides most other societal rules. In these societies,
offence leads to shame and loss of face.7
This characteristic in Moldova was cultivated by The Soviet Union, when Moldova was a part
of it. As the communistic party cultures these ideas in its followers. The collectivistic unions
were present on the Moldavian territory. As in the Russian culture, we base our relationships
on trust and for making business we need a deeper level of acquaintance and trust in the other
person.
Germany
The German society is a truly Individualist one (67). Small families with a focus on the
parent-children relationship rather than aunts and uncles are most common. There is a strong
belief in the ideal of self-actualization. Loyalty is based on personal preferences for people as
well as a sense of duty and responsibility. This is defined by the contract between the
employer and the employee. Communication is among the most direct in the world following
the ideal to be “honest, even if it hurts” – and by this giving the counterpart a fair chance to
learn from mistakes.8
In Germany, a person is based solely on themselves and people from the close proximity. The
personal success is the most important.
Conclusion
A strong discrepancy can be observed also in this dimension between the two culture. In
Moldova, the bond between all the members of my family is profound, and not only with the
immediate relatives but also with cousins, and grandparents’ sisters and brothers. Being
raised in this collectivistic culture, the self-development of my person wasn’t my priority.
In this dimension, I can’t still place myself as a personality in an individualistic culture and I
didn’t come at terms with fact that this kind of behaviour is not to be perceived as cold and
distant.

7
Individualism - Moldova
8
Individualism - Germany
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 3. MASCULINITY
 A high score (Masculine) on this dimension shows that the society is driven by
competition, achievement and success.
 A low score (Feminine) on the dimension means that the dominant values in society
are caring for others and quality of life.
Moldova
At 39, Moldova scores relatively low on this dimension, making it a moderately feminine
society. This means that society is driven by a certain amount of modesty and fairness. People
in such societies value equality, solidarity and quality in their working lives. Conflicts can be
threatening because they endanger the wellbeing of everyone; they are resolved by
compromise and negotiation.9
Regarding the scoring on this dimension, I strongly disagree. I’ve always seen Moldovan
people more as a masculine society, because is mainly driven by money and achievement,
there is a large gender wage gap, failing is a disaster.
In a family, fathers deal with facts, mothers with feelings and the following stereotypes are
present – “Girls cry, boys don’t; boys should fight back, girls shouldn’t fight”.
The only part that links Moldovan Culture to a feminine society is the fact that the people are
relationship oriented.
Therefore, I would like to categorize Moldova as a masculine culture in my opinion.
Germany
With a score of 66 Germany is considered a Masculine society. Performance is highly valued
and early required as the school system separates children into different types of schools at
the age of ten. People rather “live in order to work” and draw a lot of self-esteem from their
tasks. Managers are expected to be decisive and assertive. Status is often shown, especially by
cars, watches and technical devices.10
Conclusion
Even though, while staying here in Germany I haven’t remark strong characteristics of a
masculine society, even I will place Germany a bit lower on this dimensions, because in my
experience so far haven’t match the masculine characteristics of the German society and the
ones of the Moldovan society.
For example, the stereotypes about the gender roles, that the woman should take care of the
household, children and so on, and the men should feed the family and make money, that is
characteristics of a masculine society describe better Moldova that Germany.

9
Masculinity - Moldova
10
Masculinity - Germany
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 4. UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
 The extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or
unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid
these is reflected in the score on Uncertainty Avoidance.
Moldova
At 95, Moldova scores very high on Uncertainty Avoidance, demonstrating that as a nation
they see mechanisms to avoid ambiguity. People do not readily accept change and are very
risk adverse. They maintain rigid codes of belief and behaviour and are intolerant of
unorthodox behaviour and ideas. To minimize the level of uncertainty, there is an emotional
need for strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations.11
Being independent as a country for only 30 years, only last year we got rid of the socialist
(communist) party that was on and off ruling us. We elected a democratic party and a female
President. All that shows how hard is for the Moldovan society to bring and accept the
change.
I think that people from Moldova will be lost without the church and the state, they need
someone to follow, someone to believe in and someone to tell them what to do.
Germany
Germany is among the uncertainty avoidant countries (65); the score is on the high end, so
there is a slight preference for Uncertainty Avoidance. Details are equally important to create
certainty that a certain topic or project is well-thought-out. In combination with their low
Power Distance, where the certainty for own decisions is not covered by the larger
responsibility of the boss, Germans prefer to compensate for their higher uncertainty by
strongly relying on expertise.12
I always seen Germany as a strict state, with a lot of rules that is mandatory to follow.
Therefore, I thought that German culture is more willing to avoid uncertainty and risk.
Conclusion
As both countries score high on this dimension, I can find some similarities between the two
cultures as - In politics, citizens feel and are seen as incompetent towards authorities- this
statement is very true, but I cannot say that is 100% true for Germany as I didn’t have an
encounter with the authorities.
Regarding the attitude of the society toward the rules and laws, even though there is an
emotional need for them in both cultures, is different. In Germany, people are following the
rules, but in Moldova they are not taking seriously the authorities and disobey the rules and
laws.

11
Uncertainty Avoidance- Moldova
12
Uncertainty Avoidance- Germany
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 5. LONG TERM ORIENTATION
 This dimension describes how every society has to maintain some links with its own
past while dealing with the challenges of the present and future.
Moldova
Moldova’s high score of 71 indicates that its culture is pragmatic in nature. In societies with a
pragmatic orientation, people believe that truth depends very much on the situation, context
and time. They show an ability to easily adapt traditions to changed conditions, a strong
propensity to save and invest, and thriftiness and perseverance in achieving results.13
On this dimensions, I don’t agree with the placing of Moldova as a long-term oriented
culture. In my view, the short-term characteristics suits better the Moldovan culture.
Traditions can’t be changed; people don’t respond well to change. Students attribute success
and failure to luck rather that lack of effort. Slow or no economic growth of poor countries,
Moldova a relative poor country has very slow economic growth.
Germany
Germany’s high score of 83 indicates that it is a pragmatic country. In societies with a
pragmatic orientation, people believe that truth depends very much on situation, context and
time. They show an ability to adapt traditions easily to changed conditions, a strong
propensity to save and invest, thriftiness, and perseverance in achieving results.14
Conclusion
Even if the classification places the two cultures as long-term oriented societies, for me they
differ greatly, because Moldova is more short-term oriented, holding on more to the traditions
and not able to change. Therefore, for me it is a bit hard to adapt to the German culture.
One example is the fact that here is common to save money for the pension, and it was a bit
strange for me at first, but now I can understand why it is done like this.

6. INDULGENCE
 This dimension is defined as the extent to which people try to control their desires
and impulses, based on the way they were raised.
Moldova
Moldova’s very low score of 19 indicates a culture characterised by great Restraint.
Restrained societies have a tendency toward cynicism and pessimism. Also, they do not put
much emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People have the
perception that their actions are, or should be, restrained by social norms and feel that
indulging themselves is somewhat wrong.15
Moldovan people are very sad; they don’t smile on the street to strangers. They always think
about the worst that can happen.
People will not remember the positive emotions, and can hold a grunge over a dispute for a
long time. They don’t hold themselves accountable about what is happening to them
(helplessness).

13
Long-term orientation- Moldova
14
Long-term orientation- Germany
15
Indulgence- Moldova
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 Germany
The low score of 40 on this dimension indicates that the German culture is Restrained in
nature. Societies with a low score in this dimension have a tendency to cynicism and
pessimism. Also, in contrast to Indulgent societies, Restrained societies do not put much
emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People with this
orientation have the perception that their actions are Restrained by social norms and feel that
indulging themselves is somewhat wrong.16
In Germany, the overall feeling is that people are closed and it is hard for them to open up.
More characteristics that are attributable to Germany but not to Moldova are that - in
countries with enough food, fewer obese people; in countries with educated populations,
lower birth-rates.
But from what I’ve experienced mainly people are smiling on the streets.
Conclusion
Both countries perceived as restrained societies, but mostly differentiated by the fact that
Germany is a developed country, and Moldova is still in process of development.
For me, in this dimension not much changed, but when I went back home for the first time I
felt a big discomfort walking on the street of my city, because there no one smiled at me, but
here in Germany I was more welcomed and people were happier.

Conclusion
At the end of my comparison I arrived to the idea that Moldova and Germany are too
different, only by fact of the economic development that is influencing peoples’ life and the
way of being. Nevertheless, I think I will always have a longing in my heart for my culture,
because I can adapt to the other rules, norms of living, but I’m missing the most the
relationships that I had back in my country, and all the weekend gatherings with my big
family. As me being a bit resistant to the change, it will take a bit longer to adapt but I hold
on the things that make me happy and with a clear conscience and I have to have in mind the
fact that here, in Germany, I have a chance to a brighter future.

16
Indulgence- Germany
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Bibliography
 https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/germany,moldova/
 https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=orpc
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hofstede%27s_cultural_dimensions_theory#cite_note-
IACCP-7
 https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Development-of-intercultural-competence-
Thomas-2006_fig5_229903567
 https://candiduw.org/how-to-work-through-the-culture-shock-of-physical-isolation/

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