Country Comparison: Ghana vs USA

Introduction 

By using the 6-D Model©, it is possible to develop a good overview of the broad factors that drive both the American and Ghana’s cultures. Based on the geographical locations, both nations are located on different continents; Ghana is in Africa while the USA is in the Americas continent. The model elaborates the central tendency held by the two nations. Citizens from both countries are unique; however, a human norm is relatable regardless of where one is located. This essay seeks to explain the cultural dimensions between the two nations based on the arguments of Hofstede. The figure below is a summary of the differences between the countries. 

Retrieved from: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/the-usa/ 

Power distance 

Human beings are not equal, and a characteristic of the inequality is in power from different people. Leaders can influence and direct activities in the nation. As shown above, Ghana is laced with a significant power difference in comparison to the USA. While USA citizens are more influential, on the other hand, those in Ghana have fewer privileges in deciding what happens in their nation (Hale & Fields 2007). 

Individualism 

Individualism is the interdependence degree among society members. The United States hinges on a capitalistic environment where people are encouraged to look after themselves. As such, the rate of individualism compared to Ghana is high. Based on the aspirations of the American norm of “Liberty and justice for all” people work under the belief of only caring about their own needs. Ghana is more of a collective society, a feature that is present in a long-term commitment to members of the group including family and friends (Marbella & Grolnick 2013). 

Masculinity 

The United States is higher in masculinity theme when compared to Ghana because the society focuses on competing, achieving set goals, and overall success where the successful decide the rules to be set by the community. On the other hand, the society in Ghana is more feministic, such that caring for others coupled with the quality of life are prioritized. As pointed out in the individualism theme, American citizens are self-centered while Ghana citizens are collective which emphasize their masculinity and feministic characteristics (Adinkrah 2012). 

Uncertainty avoidance 

The future is unknown to both nations which require that measures are in place in cases of uncertainties. Although the United States 46% is below average, when compared to Ghana’s readiness to deal with uncertain situations, Ghana is less prepared. The United States is accommodative for innovative ideas and circumstances that may crop up, on the other hand, Ghana uses a rigid unorthodox system that rarely accepts suggestions for development (Abbey 2002). 

Long-term orientation 

The theme tries to illustrate the links maintained by society while dealing with emerging challenges. Normative society tends to keep old traditions while viewing social change as suspicious. Although both nations are, the US is better at embracing change when compared to Ghana. Ghana’s exhibition of great respect for existing traditions serves to derail her growth in different fields (Hale & Fields 2007). 

Indulgence 

Control of desires and impulses is a characteristic that is unique to human beings, as demonstrated by the United States, tolerance is higher compared to Ghana’s, especially with most youth going for the work hard play hard belief. As a result, drug abuse has become a concern to governments and non-governmental organizations (Ketkar et al., 2012). 

Conclusion 

As discussed above, the United States and Ghana are different, and their citizens have differing characteristics. However, considering, they both present a platform for business, especially entrepreneurship. The creativity in the entrepreneurial abilities could help especially Ghana improve her position concerning health and economic sectors. 

References 

Hale, J. R., & Fields, D. L. (2007). Exploring servant leadership across cultures: A study of followers in Ghana and the USA.  Leadership ,  3 (4), 397-417. 

Marbell, K. N., & Grolnick, W. S. (2013). Correlates of parental control and autonomy support in an interdependent culture: A look at Ghana.  Motivation and Emotion ,  37 (1), 79-92. 

Abbey, A. (2002). Cross-cultural comparison of the motivation for entrepreneurship.  Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship ,  14 (1), 69. 

Ketkar, S., Kock, N., Parented, R., & Verville, J. (2012). The impact of individualism on buyer–supplier relationship norms, trust and market performance: An analysis of data from Brazil and the USA.  International Business Review ,  21 (5), 782-793.