The Impact of Hofstede´s Cultural Dimensions on Job Satisfaction: A Cross-Cultural Study between China and Portugal

Job satisfaction (JS) is a central topic in in human resource management (HRM) research. It plays a key role in employee motivation and performance. The present study analyzes 1) the influence of traditional determinants of JS in the service industry sector in China and Portugal, and 2) how do Hofstede’s cultural dimensions moderate the relationships between JS determinants and JS in the service industry sector in China and Portugal. The sample includes employees from the service industry sector in China (N=365) and Portugal (N=213). Data was collected through an online questionnaire. Data was analyzed using structural equation model (SEM) with a partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Results reveal that empowerment (EM), job autonomy, job security, and recognition are positively related to JS. No significant influence is found showing training and development contribute to employees’ JS. Moreover, results show that power distance (PDI) positively moderates the relationship between EM and JS. The effect of EM has a greater contribution to employees’ JS in China (high PDI) than in Portugal (low PDI). Other Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, namely collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, and long-term orientation, do not show significant moderating effects. Few studies explore how national cultures influence the relationship between job characteristics and JS, especially between Western and Eastern countries. These findings contribute to the development of HRM practices that can enhance employees’ JS in different cultural contexts, contributing to the overall performance of multinational and international organizations.