Iraqi and Kurdish Cultural Values in the Semi-Autonomous State of Kurdistan
This paper explores the cultural values of Kurdistan, a semi-autonomous region of Northern Iraq. An assessment of individuals from both Arab and Kurdish ethnicities was conducted using Hofstede’s 5-D model of cultural values. Some significant differences were found between the two groups. The results of this study indicate that both ethnic groups in Kurdistan possess a low power distance and shortterm orientation. Both ethnic groups rate relatively high on measures of individualism. However, the data revealed that there are significant differences between the two groups in terms of masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. Implications of Kurdistan’s cultural composite relative to economic development, political progress, and management practice are discussed.
