Hofstede femininity vs masculinity

 In Japan, shopping isn’t just about buying something; it’s a whole experience shaped by respect, detail, and formality. As a customer, I’ve noticed how shop staff greet you warmly, wrap your items with care, and always use polite language. That level of service reflects Japan’s “feminine” culture in Hofstede’s model, emphasising modesty, quality of life, and harmony.

In contrast, in Bulgaria, while we appreciate friendly service, things are more casual. We don’t always expect staff to smile or wrap everything perfectly. Politeness is valued, but efficiency often matters more. I personally greet and thank the staff, make eye contact, and enjoy small talk when shopping, especially when the service feels genuine, not robotic.

Once, I received a wrong order, experienced late delivery, and even had problems with phone operators, so I now value friendly, helpful staff even more. I prefer being treated like a person, not just a customer.

This week’s class reminded me how culture shapes simple actions like shopping. Japanese service is more thoughtful and ritualistic, while in Bulgaria, it’s a bit more direct and functional. Still, both aim to meet the customer’s needs, just in different ways.

Comments

  1. AliJune 16, 2025 at 11:15 PM

    Yes, in japan is all about respect. One other thing is i also notice different from other country is that here you have to putt all of the items in your own plastic bag after the cashier.

    ReplyDelete

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