Comparing The Cultural Dimensions Of Canada And The Republic Of Belarus

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The cultural dimensions of Canada and the Republic of Belarus provide insight as to why the structure and nature of the judicial systems differ from one another. However, before interpreting these dimensions, it is important to note that although the Republic of Belarus was established in 1994, it resembles Russia almost entirely in terms of culture. Therefore Hofstede’s study of Russia’s Cultural Dimensions is applicable to the Republic of Belarus. The Canadian structure and nature of its judicial system can be explained due to its high level of individualism (80) and low power distance (39). The high level of individualism can explain the reason why alternative to courts are accepted in Canada. People expect to look out for themselves and …show more content…

The Canadian level of uncertainty avoidance is 48 and its long term orientation is 36. The somewhat low level of uncertainty avoidance explains why the correctional system of Canada is comfortable reintegrating and helping offenders. Realizing the enormous cost of supervising a prisoner in any security prison, the system is prepared to use creative ways to aid offenders and bring them back into society. With regards to long term orientation, the Canadian correctional system reflects this dimension through its mostly humane treatment of prisoners and the fact that it believes in the reintegration of offenders. The Republic of Belarus differ in both these dimensions as it scores very high in uncertainty avoidance (95) and very high in long term orientation (81). The cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance, is reflected in the Belarusian correctional system in that they still use capital punishment by shooting. Rather than extend the sentence, or review the crimes meriting severe punishment, the Belarusian correctional system would rather ensure the criminals won’t repeat their crimes. The long term orientation which is also tied in with the high power distance, is demonstrated in the correctional system through the treatment of criminals and prisons. The prisons are poorly maintained, which indicates the republican government’s strong propensity to save –unlike the Canadian investment in the wellbeing of its

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