Power Distance
Very hierarchical
95
/ 120
Latin America
Panama Hofstede Cultural Dimensions
Panama has its highest Hofstede score in Power Distance (95) and its lowest score in Individualism (11). This profile within Latin America shows how authority, identity, risk, time orientation, competition, and self-expression combine in one national cultural snapshot.
At a glance
Dimension Scores at a Glance
Individualism
Very collectivist
11
/ 120
Masculinity
Moderate masculinity
45
/ 120
Uncertainty Avoidance
Very structured
86
/ 120
Long-Term Orientation
Data unavailable
N/A
/ 120
Indulgence
Data unavailable
N/A
/ 120
Practical implications
What This Means
Business
Panama business analysis should start with the country score pattern rather than a single dimension. Its strongest signal is Power Distance (95), so negotiations, planning, and leadership expectations should be read through that lens. Higher uncertainty avoidance means clear scope, written commitments, and careful risk handling can matter more.
Education
For education and student research, Panama is useful for comparing how cultural values shape classroom authority, group work, time horizons, and motivation. A higher power distance score suggests formal respect for teachers and institutional hierarchy may be important. Lower individualism points toward group belonging and shared responsibility.
Society
For social analysis, the profile helps explain broad patterns without reducing people to a score. The lowest score, Individualism (11), is just as important because it shows where the country leans away from the high pole of the model.
Each dimension in context
Dimension Deep Dive
Power Distance
Panama scores 95 on Power Distance, ranking #3 of 200 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 29.1 points above the global average and 24.5 points above the Latin America regional average.
A very hierarchical profile on this dimension points toward clear hierarchy, respect for seniority, and more centralized authority. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Power Distance as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Panama can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Individualism
Panama scores 11 on Individualism, ranking #201 of 203 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 24 points below the global average and 14 points below the Latin America regional average.
A very collectivist profile on this dimension points toward group loyalty, relationship obligations, and decisions shaped by in-group expectations. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Individualism as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Panama can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Masculinity
Panama scores 45 on Masculinity, ranking #143 of 194 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 4.2 points below the global average and 6.3 points below the Latin America regional average.
A moderate masculinity profile on this dimension points toward consensus, quality of life, care, and modest achievement norms. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Masculinity as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Panama can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Panama scores 86 on Uncertainty Avoidance, ranking #17 of 205 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 26 points above the global average and 14 points above the Latin America regional average.
A very structured profile on this dimension points toward planning, formal rules, risk reduction, and a stronger preference for clarity. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Uncertainty Avoidance as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Panama can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Long-Term Orientation
Panama does not currently have a published score for Long-Term Orientation in this dataset. That missing value should be treated as a data limitation rather than a cultural conclusion.
For research writing, note the absence clearly and avoid filling the gap with assumptions. Compare nearby countries or regional clusters only as cautious context.
Indulgence
Panama does not currently have a published score for Indulgence in this dataset. That missing value should be treated as a data limitation rather than a cultural conclusion.
For research writing, note the absence clearly and avoid filling the gap with assumptions. Compare nearby countries or regional clusters only as cautious context.
Snapshot
Key Facts
- Panama has a high Power Distance score of 95, ranking #3 of 200.
- Panama has a low Individualism score of 11, ranking #201 of 203.
- Panama has a high Uncertainty Avoidance score of 86, ranking #17 of 205.
- Panama has a low Masculinity score of 45, ranking #143 of 194.
Frequently asked questions
Questions About Panama's Cultural Profile
What is Panama's Hofstede cultural dimensions profile?
Panama has its highest Hofstede score in Power Distance (95) and its lowest score in Individualism (11). This profile within Latin America shows how authority, identity, risk, time orientation, competition, and self-expression combine in one national cultural snapshot.
Which Hofstede dimension is highest in Panama?
Panama's highest available score is Power Distance at 95.
Which Hofstede dimension is lowest in Panama?
Panama's lowest available score is Individualism at 11.
Should Hofstede scores be used as stereotypes?
No. Hofstede scores are national-level comparison tools. They can frame research questions, but they should not be used to predict every individual, organization, or community within a country.
How to read these scores: Scores range from 0 to 120. A score above 50 means the country leans toward the high end of that dimension; below 50 means it leans toward the low end. These are national-level tendencies, not individual labels.
Source: Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Academic Foundation
The Researchers Behind the Model
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