Being a Public Health major, in undergrad we spent quite some time studying the Affordable Care Act (also referred to as Obamacare) and the idea of universal healthcare. In multiple courses I reviewed different country’s healthcare systems and the results greatly varied. Since undergrad I have always wanted to pursue my MBA, gain more experience here in the US, and then go abroad to learn what it is like working in a different healthcare model. The country that interests me the most is Germany.
Using Germany – Hofstede Insights (hofstede-insights.com) I was able to compare the USA and Germany on the cultural dimensions.
| Power distance | Individualism | Masculinity | Uncertain avoidance | Long Term Orientation | Indulgence | |
| USA | 40 | 91 | 62 | 46 | 26 | 68 |
| Germany | 35 | 67 | 66 | 65 | 83 | 40 |
The two largest differences were individualism and long term orientation.
Individualism is the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members. Now this one did surprise me. The United States ranks very high in this category based on its premise of freedoms and liberty, and mentality of the American Dream. We are raised to believe if you want something you have to work hard to get it because no one or no entity is just going to give it to you. Other countries rank differently based on their values and the amount of government support the country members get. In Germany, they are also very individual and the focus is more on your direct family and not much past that.
Long term orientation is how every society has to maintain some links with its own past while dealing with the challenges of the present and future. Germany was described as a pragmatic country that adapts to the changing times and adjusts traditions and ideations to the current situation. I can also see why the United States would rank so low on this.
I know regardless of many of these various factors that I would take the opportunity and that this may actually be a reality for me. My husband is in the Air Force and Germany is at the top of our list for the next big move. While I may not have much of an extended support system, we would have our family and know that what we are doing brings value to those around us. This is enough for us.
