The Uncertainty Avoidance Societal Norm

Weak Uncertainty Avoidance

• More changes of employer, shorter service.

• There should be no more rules than strictly necessary.

• Hard-working only when needed.

• Time is a framework for orientation.

• There is tolerance for ambiguity and chaos.

• Belief in generalists and common sense.

• Top managers are concerned with strategy.

• More new trademarks.

• Focus on decision process.

• Intrapreneurs are relatively free from rules.

• There are fewer self-employed people.

• Better at invention, worse at implementation.

• Motivation by achievement and esteem or belonging

Strong Uncertainty Avoidance

• Fewer changes of employer, longer service.

• There is an emotional need for rules, even if these will not work.

• There is an emotional need to be busy and an inner urge to work hard.

• Time is money.

• There is a need for precision and formalization.

• Belief in experts and technical solutions.

• Top managers are concerned with daily operations.

• Fewer new trademarks.

• Focus on decision content.

• Intrapreneurs are constrained by existing rules.

• There are more self-employed people.

• Worse at invention, better at implementation.

• Motivation by security and esteem or belonging.