Development and Validation of a Cultural Dimensions Scale (CDS) and Its Application in an Iranian Context

Abstract

The present study was conducted first, to construct and validate a Cultural Dimensions Scale (CDS) for the Iranian context. To this end, a scale was designed based on Hofstede’s (2001) six-dimensional framework and was completed by 370 individuals. Its validity was then substantiated through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A second aim of this study was to reveal the norm of each cultural dimension for an important Iranian subculture which was achieved analyzing the data gathered from 1000 participants. Moreover, the relationship between gender and cultural dimensions was explored conducting a t-test. Also, a MANOVA was run to investigate the relationship between age and these dimensions. The results revealed a significant difference between men and women in the two dimensions of power distance and masculinity/femininity, and also, a significant difference between the three age groups in power distance, individualism/collectivism, and indulgence/restraint. In the end, the results were discussed and implications of the scale were presented.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p367