Joy Ware (URCAD)

This study explores the application of Geert Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions in Panama through an experiential research approach. Conducted as part of an IS 400: Independent Study, this project began with a preliminary analytical literature review of Hofstede’s framework and Panama’s cultural scores. Panama’s collectivist orientation (low individualism score of 21) and high uncertainty avoidance (score of 86) highlighted key societal tendencies in business and management. However, traditional research methods provided only a partial understanding. By engaging in a ten-day immersive study abroad experience, this research evolved from analytical and survey-based methodologies into observational and experiential analysis. This shift enabled a more nuanced interpretation of Panama’s cultural landscape, leading to the identification of three emerging dimensions: Educational Value Attainment, reflecting the role of education in workforce development; Technological Adaptability, addressing Panama’s response to digital transformation; and Global Engagement vs. Cultural Preservation, exploring the balance between modernization and heritage. The findings demonstrate that cultural frameworks, while useful, often need to be contextualized through lived experiences to fully grasp their impact. This study highlights the value of experiential research in refining cultural theories and bridging the gap between theoretical constructs and real-world applications.
I am a recipient of a UMBC Travel Award from the UMBC Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs