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Do National Cultural Traits Affect Comparative Advantage in Cultural Goods?

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  • Zhaobin Fan

    (International Business School, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519070, China)

  • Shujuan Huang

    (International Business School, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519070, China)

  • W. Robert J. Alexander

    (School of Business, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore 4558, Australia)

Abstract

Trade in cultural goods is making an increasingly significant contribution to international trade, but its flows are very uneven across regions, which has raised concerns over cultural homogenization. This paper considers various aspects of national culture as possible explanations for comparative advantage in cultural goods. Using data from 98 countries over the period 2004 to 2014, and employing Hofstede’s multidimensional approach to culture, we test the relationship between the dimensions of national culture and comparative advantage in cultural goods. We find that the cultural dimensions of individualism, masculinity, long-term orientation, and indulgence are positively associated, whereas the cultural dimensions of power distance and uncertainty avoidance are negatively associated with comparative advantage in cultural goods.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhaobin Fan & Shujuan Huang & W. Robert J. Alexander, 2017. "Do National Cultural Traits Affect Comparative Advantage in Cultural Goods?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:7:p:1153-:d:103338
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lorde, Troy & Alleyne, Antonio & Trotman, Cherise, 2017. "International Trade in Cultural Goods: An Assessment of Caribbean Exports," MPRA Paper 114706, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Rudolf Kampf & Silvia Lorincová & Miloš Hitka & Ondrej Stopka, 2017. "Generational Differences in the Perception of Corporate Culture in European Transport Enterprises," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Edita Leonavičienė & Aurelija Burinskienė, 2021. "Research on the reflection of cultural dimensions in international business," Post-Print hal-03584057, HAL.

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