Geert Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) Model for Global
Business Success: Is it Brilliance or Folly?   “Culture is more
often a source of conflict than of synergy. Cultural differences
are a nuisance at best and often a disaster.” ~ Prof. Geert
Hofstede  Recent trends such as, the globalization of business,
increased diversity in the workforce, and increasing
international alliances and mergers, highlight the need to
examine business practices within an international context.
Researchers caution against the unquestioning adoption,
dissemination, and application of Western management theories
through out the world. Cultural differences in a work place go
deeper than an appreciation of different foods and a preference
for different clothing: Western cultures shake hands. Cubans
kiss. Some cultures hug when greeting one another. Many bow and
bow differently. Japanese bow from the waist; the deeper the
bow, the greater the respect. Thais bow with their hands chest
high, palms together. Taiwanese are more li