The Implications of Hofstede's Dimensions of Cultural Variability for First Contact Situations

This study examined the interrelationships between Hofstede's dimensions of cultural variability and the proposed dimensions of the law enforcement culture, and explored the implications of those interrelationships for first contact situations between Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) agents and foreign law enforcement agencies. The author reviewed historical-critical, quantitative, and qualitative law enforcement literature and proposed four dimensions of the law enforcement culture. These dimensions are uncertainty, authority, solidarity, and individualism. The proposed dimensions of the law enforcement culture are further explored within the context of Hosfstede's dimensions of cultural variability (uncertainty avoidance, power distance, individualism-collectivism, and masculinity-femininity). AFOSI agents can use Hofstede's dimensions of cultural variability to plan, direct, and explain their efforts to collect threat information from foreign law enforcement agencies in first contact situations. Hofstede's dimensions of cultural variability can assist AFOSI agents in addressing the critical tasks of establishment of credibility, use of incentives, selection of sources, and evaluation of information. Formal training initiatives will help AFOSI agents understand the implications of Hofstede's dimesions of cultural variability not only in first contact situations with forein law enforcement agencies but also in a variety of foreign and domestic situations.