Cultural Aspects of State Ownership Policy in the Enterprise Sector

Abstract

Background and Objective: State ownership policies in the enterprise sector are often analysed from economic and administrative perspectives, but cultural influences are less explored. This study investigates the role of cultural values in shaping state ownership policies, applying Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model to analyse the models proposed by M. Bałtowski and G. Kwiatkowski in the context of developed and post-socialist countries. The main objective is to evaluate the influence of cultural traits on the governance and effectiveness of SOEs.

Study Design: The study employs a comparative analysis, integrating Hofstede’s model with Bałtowski and Kwiatkowski’s classifications of state ownership models of developed countries. The analysis includes the United States, France, Germany, Sweden and Poland, among others. The research identifies correlations between cultural dimensions—such as Power Distance, Individualism and Uncertainty Avoidance—and state ownership structures and policies.

Results: Significant cultural differences are found to shape state ownership policies. Anglo-Saxon countries with low power distance and high individualism favour market-driven models. Continental European countries exhibit higher uncertainty avoidance and state involvement. Scandinavian nations, marked by consensus-oriented values, demonstrate transparency and efficiency in governance. Central European countries, including Poland, show a hybrid model influenced by high uncertainty avoidance and hierarchical social structures.

Practical implications: The study emphasises the need for culturally adaptive state ownership policies. Transferring governance models without considering local cultural contexts risks ineffectiveness.

Conclusion and summary: State ownership policies are deeply intertwined with cultural values. Effective policy design requires balancing global best practices with national cultural contexts to ensure efficiency and local acceptance.