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Do culture-dependent response styles distort substantial relationships?

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  • Hoffmann, Stefan
  • Mai, Robert
  • Cristescu, Anamaria

Abstract

Survey data are frequently distorted by answering tendencies, such as acquiescence, disacquiescence, midpoint and extreme response style. Cross-cultural research projects may be particularly vulnerable to misinterpretations. This paper provides empirical insights into the manner and degree to which culture systematically distorts findings from survey data. The study is based on data from 1027 respondents from Austria, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Russia, Spain, and the United States. The investigation firstly demonstrates that Hofstede's and project GLOBE's cultural dimensions explain variations in response styles across different countries. Secondly, and most importantly, the paper explores the impact of culture-dependent response styles on findings. Remarkably, the extent of distortion in correlation analysis and mean comparisons is less severe than expected. Nonetheless, cross-cultural researchers would be well advised to control at least for (dis-)acquiescence before analyzing and interpreting their data.

Suggested Citation

  • Hoffmann, Stefan & Mai, Robert & Cristescu, Anamaria, 2013. "Do culture-dependent response styles distort substantial relationships?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(5), pages 814-827.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:22:y:2013:i:5:p:814-827
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2013.01.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Richard Fellows & Anita M.M. Liu, 2013. "Use and misuse of the concept of culture," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(5), pages 401-422, May.

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