The impact of societal culture and organizational culture on nuclear safety culture: An analysis from the perspective of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model

This study examines the interaction between societal culture and organizational culture, and investigates how this relationship shapes nuclear safety culture within the framework of Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Model. It underscores that societal culture is transmitted into organizational culture through individuals, thereby providing the foundational values upon which organizational norms and practices are built. Based on Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Model, the study conducts a comparative analysis of five key dimensions of societal culture—power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, and long-term versus short-term orientation—alongside the ten positive nuclear safety culture traits identified by the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). The findings reveal that cultural profiles characterized by low power distance, low uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, and long-term orientation tend to reinforce positive nuclear safety culture traits, particularly a questioning attitude, an environment for raising concerns, personal accountability, safety communication, and decision-making. Conversely, cultural patterns marked by high power distance, high uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, femininity, and short-term orientation may hinder the early identification of risks, constrain critical evaluation processes, and reduce the prioritization of safety, thereby failing to support positive traits—especially a questioning attitude, an environment for raising concerns, and personal accountability. In conclusion, the study affirms that the development and reinforcement of nuclear safety culture should give primary consideration to societal cultural factors. It further emphasizes that fostering a positive nuclear safety culture is a collective responsibility shared by all personnel, while leaders hold a pivotal role in shaping, guiding, and sustaining this culture over time.