What is a characteristic of high uncertainty avoidance cultures? A) They allow a manager to tightly control subordinates' initiatives. B) They oppose the use of rules and regulations to exercise control over individuals. C) They are characterized by a greater readiness to take risks. D) They do not place importance on job security, career patterns, retirement benefits, and so on. e) They demonstrate less emotional resistance to change.

A) They allow a manager to tightly control subordinates' initiatives.

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance are marked by a deep need for security and a strong preference for clear rules and regulations. People in such cultures often feel uncomfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. Consequently, organizations within high uncertainty avoidance cultures may be more formal and structured, allowing managers to exercise greater control over their subordinates' work and initiatives to reduce unpredictability. This manifests in comprehensive rules and policies, a reliance on formal procedures, and a lesser tolerance for deviation from set plans or behaviors.

Extra: Understanding cultural dimensions such as uncertainty avoidance is fundamental to cross-cultural communication and international business management. Culture heavily influences how people perceive and interact with the world.

The concept of uncertainty avoidance was popularized by the Dutch social psychologist Geert Hofstede, who defined it as the extent to which people within a culture are made nervous by situations which they perceive as unstructured, unclear, or unpredictable. Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance tend to place a premium on job security, have clear behavioral norms, and are less accepting of dissent or unorthodox behavior and ideas. This contrasts with low uncertainty avoidance cultures, where people are more comfortable with ambiguity, more willing to take risks, and more tolerant of different perspectives and behaviors. They also typically have fewer formal rules and are more accepting of change and innovation. Understanding these cultural characteristics is crucial for anyone engaged in international dealings or global businesses, as it can greatly affect management styles, communication, decision-making, and overall organizational dynamics.