What characterizes high uncertainty avoidance cultures?

What characterizes high uncertainty avoidance cultures?

• A. Flexible norms and tolerance of ambiguity.
• B. Rigid codes of belief and behavior, intolerant of unorthodox behavior (e.g., Greece).
• C. A relaxed attitude where practice counts more than principles.
• D. Emphasis on personal networks in daily life.

Answer: (B)

High uncertainty avoidance cultures cope with the unknown by insisting on clear rules, formal procedures, and strict codes of behavior. When people feel uncertain, they seek security in tradition, authority, and well-defined practices to reduce risk. Describing rigid beliefs and behavior, with little tolerance for unorthodox actions, captures this drive for predictability and control. Greece is often cited as an example of such a society. In contrast, flexible norms and tolerance of ambiguity show a low uncertainty avoidance tendency, while emphasis on personal networks relates more to social structure than to how a culture handles uncertainty.

High uncertainty avoidance cultures cope with the unknown by insisting on clear rules, formal procedures, and strict codes of behavior. When people feel uncertain, they seek security in tradition, authority, and well-defined practices to reduce risk. Describing rigid beliefs and behavior, with little tolerance for unorthodox actions, captures this drive for predictability and control. Greece is often cited as an example of such a society. In contrast, flexible norms and tolerance of ambiguity show a low uncertainty avoidance tendency, while emphasis on personal networks relates more to social structure than to how a culture handles uncertainty.