Importance of Hofstede's study of cultural dimensions to the field of cross-cultural communication

In 1980, Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values showed Geert Hofstede’s study of five cultural dimensions: individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and long—term versus short—term orientation to life. This essay discusses this theory’s weakness and usefulness as well as its importance to the cross—cultural communication that will give readers a better understanding about this cultural dimension. It concludes that Geert Hofstede’s study of these five cultural dimensions is a starting point to the beginners to know about this field and the government offices even can establish economic policies according to the specific culture. It is really a useful research to the field of cross—cultural communication.