I would say that it depends what you want to do. I think that the noraml dimensions are more cleanand present the reader the real scores (he or she sees the whole truth). Howevere distance scores show the actual difference between countries and with that you can compare them more easy.

In general it depends on the statistical tests and the way you want to present and communicate your results. Some times the relative values (distance scores are better or from the mothod required) sometimes the normal values (cultural dimensions) are better.

I would start with the dimensions and then maybe also calculate the distance scores.

I hope that helps.

Cultural distance refers the degree to which cultural norms, world views, attitudes, perceptions and ideas differ from country to country while cultural dimensions measure cultural distance between 2 or more countries. Scales and indices are composite measures that use multiple items to collect information about a construct. These items are then used to rank individuals. Both scales and indices are used in social science research because they allow researchers to focus on large theoretical constructs rather than individual empirical indicator (especially in relation to culture). While there are many similarities between scales and indices, I think it is worth looking at the differences in order for you to decide which is appropriate for your research:

1.      Scale consists of effect indicator, but index includes causal indicators

2.      Scales are always used to give scores at individual level. However, indices could be used to give scores at both individual and aggregate levels.

3.      They differ in how the items are aggregated.

4.      Many discussions on the reliability and validity of the scales, but few discussions on those of indices.  

I hope you find this useful?

Thanks

Hi Charlott,

If you are comparing countries/societies without having any preconceived idea about the entrepreneurial characteristics of a particular country/society, then cultural dimensions are appropriate. 

However, if there is reason to believe that one society in particular has demonstrated stronger characteristics than others, then you may want to use that country as your "base" and compare the others' relative positions to it.  In this case, cultural distance is better. For example, you can refer to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and identify which country has the highest rate of new venture formation.  Let's say, Germany.  Using Germany as the base, you can then compare the cultural values of other countries in relation to it.  In other words, you are using the cultural distance between those countries and Germany.

Hope this helps.

Aida Idris PhD, University of Malaya, Malaysia

Hi Charlott

I am not quite sure whether your question is about a selection in between Hofstede's cultural dimension theory or Schwartz's Culture Model. If it is the question, I may share some naive personal thoughts.

Similar as what Björn suggested, it's truly based on your researching targets. According to your description, I guess you're more emphasizing on personal cognitive feelings. Though with large number of citations for Hofstede's work, especially in international business field, I personally and biased believe the model could only generate macro-level of differences (say nation-to-nation) to you. In other words, by utilizing it, you could only get country level differences while suggesting not much of people's psychological perspective. There is also a concept of cultural friction initiated by Oded Shenkar (2001, 2008), which further supports the idea that it's really the real friction of cultures facilitated the different reactions of the entrepreneurs. To be honest, I am not quite familiar with the Schwartz's Culture Model. But after quickly galance, I feel maybe this alternative model might help you to identify more toward the cognitive part.

Wish it helps.

best,

Bin