School Artifacts in the Context of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions (Germany and Turkey Sample)

Abstract

This study aims to compare the artifacts in German and Turkish schools, using Geert Hofstede’s National Cultural Dimensions as a framework. Culture analyzing design and, document examination technique was used to analyze the artifacts such as pictures, photographs, sculptures, busts, models etc. in schools. Initially, the data was categorized under certain themes for each country. The visuals and themes were analyzed according to Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions. Despite the fact that the reflection of national culture in schools was consistent with Hofstede’s Dimensions to a large extent, the results of our study revealed some considerable differences between the scores of the two countries according to Hofstede’s classification. This study offers us an opportunity to discuss the reflection of national culture in educational institutions, and Hofstede's cultural classification provides a basis for a new framework of reference to determine the artifacts used in schools.

Keywords: Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, school artifacts