Table 1 Cultural dimension definitions and characteristics [9]

Power-distance

Extent to which less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally (refers to family, school, community, workplace, etc.)

Uncertainty avoidance

Extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by uncertain or unknown situations and avoidance of such situations (expressed through nervousness and a need for predictability/rules)

Masculinity-femininity

Extent to which dominant values in society are masculine (in masculine societies gender roles are distinct whereas is feminine societies gender roles overlap)

Individualism-collectivism

Extent of ties between individuals (ties are loose in individualistic societies but integrated and cohesive in collectivist societies)

Long-term orientation

Extent of long or short-term orientation in life (long-term oriented people value persistence, thrift, sense of shame, and order; short-term oriented people value personal steadiness and stability, protecting oneself, respect for tradition, and reciprocation of greetings, favours, and gifts)