The fears of losing face and disturbing nature will dissuade disruptive changes in policies and practices. More generally, FE cultures will favour changes which promote social harmony and stability, and frown on assertive behaviours. Thus, Proposition 9a. FE cultures will be less likely to use revolutionary and sudden forms of IT-enabled change than their MA counterparts. FE cultures will be more likely to use evolutionary and gradual forms of IT-enabled change than their MA counterparts.
Uncertainty avoidance reflects the degree to which a society tolerates ambiguous situations.
Pronounced fears of random events and the unknown will encourage managers to plan for and try to control the future. In contrast, low UA cultures see environmental change as inevitable and focus on adapting to it. A strong Chinese belief in fatalism moderates the need for business forecasts and detailed plans. More generally, low UA cultures will adapt to environmental changes rather than attempting to influence them. Thus, Proposition 10.