A Romanian - Belgian comparison on work related stereotypes and behaviours

• Author: C. Truta - B. Broidioi
• Pages: 123-128

3. Truta

   Faculty Of Psychology And Educational Sciences, Transilvania University Of Brasov.

2. Broidioi

   Faculty Of Political And Social Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.

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   Page 123

1. Introduction

A Romanian - Belgian comparison may always be considered as being a mere example of the larger comparison between West-European countries and East- European countries. But the reality sometimes contradicts common sense. Despite the fact that the two cultures belong indeed, from either an historical, cultural, and/or economical point of view, to very different regions of Europe, the two analyzed cultures have many common aspects.

Both the Romanian and the Belgian culture are eclectic cultures. The Romanian culture is an eclectic one as a result of multiple influences to which it was the subject of along its history [9]. The many immigration waves from Italians, and, more recently, North Africans, turned Belgium into an eclectic society also with a wide appreciation for many forms of culture and identities. Being submitted to the Romans, the Spanish, the Austrians, the French, the Dutch and the Germans, has turned Belgian culture into a rich influenced estate but also turned it into an individualistic culture, despising authority [14].

A direct consequence of the eclectic culture is the diversity that characterizes both counties.

Diversity, as well as equality and freedom, are important values for Belgians and are manifested in anti-discrimination laws, and even more in common habits such as clothing, eating patterns and the expression of physical relations [6]. The existence of opposite elements in the same geographical space or in the same space of thinking and action is the modality in

Page 124which diversity manifests in the Romanian society [9].

These are just few of the cultural aspects that could be considered as criteria for an intercultural comparison between the Romanian and the Belgian culture. The present article intends to make a pertinent comparison regarding only work related practices and behaviours in the two societies. Even though the cultural dimensions, especially the dominating values of the two cultures, might be the underlying factors behind the analyzed differences, we do not intend to find a cultural explanation for the identified differences but, merely, to accurately describe them in terms of practical implications for the working environment.

2. Romanian - Belgian Cultural Differences on Hofstede's Dimensions

The main criterion when making an intercultural comparison in the area of work and organizations is Hofstede's theory on cultural differences. According to his study's results, cultures can be defined through a number of five characteristics [17] These characteristics are bipolar dimensions: power distance - the equity or inequity between superiors and subordinates in an organization; uncertainty avoidance - lack of tolerance toward ambiguity and the need for formal rules or the openness toward change; individualism vs. collectivism - the distribution of attention, resources and personal commitment toward the self or toward the belonging community; masculinity vs. feminity - the focus on personal objectives (material rewards, promotion) and assertiveness which are in opposition with interpersonal purposes (friendly climate) and tolerance; short-term vs. long-term orientation [9-17].

The Romanian culture is characterized by a rather collective orientation [1] while Belgium's culture has an individualistic orientation [10]. In a rather individualistic country, people tend to have more loose relationships than in the countries characterised by collectivism. In Belgium people stress on personal goals, achievements and individual rights. It is expected from each other to fulfil their own needs. In Belgium, group work is important, but everybody has the right to give his own opinion.

Concerning the distance to power, both Romania and Belgium have a rather high power distance [9-17]. In Romania the inequity between different social classes or between superiors or subordinates is high. Belgium, on the other hand, exhibits an unequal distribution of wealth. Belgium does not have an enormous gap between the wealthy and the poor, but they have a very strong belief in equality for each citizen.

Another common characteristic of the two analysed cultures...