Future Orientation

Definition

Future Orientation refers to the degree to which individuals in a society or organization focus on and prepare for the future, rather than emphasizing the present or the past. It reflects the extent to which a culture values long-term thinking, planning, and investment in the future.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Future Orientation is one of the nine cultural dimensions identified in the GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness) framework.
2. Societies with a high degree of Future Orientation tend to value long-term planning, investment, and delayed gratification, whereas those with a low Future Orientation focus more on the present and short-term rewards.
3. Future Orientation is closely linked to the cultural value of Long-Term Orientation, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditions and preparing for the future.
4. Cultures with high Future Orientation often have strong educational systems, well-developed infrastructure, and a focus on technological innovation and R&D.
5. The level of Future Orientation in a society can influence decision-making processes, risk-taking behavior, and attitudes towards saving and investing.

Review Questions

• Explain how Future Orientation is reflected in the GLOBE framework and its relationship to other cultural dimensions.
  • In the GLOBE framework, Future Orientation is one of the nine cultural dimensions that help to characterize and compare societies. It reflects the degree to which a culture emphasizes long-term thinking, planning, and investment, rather than focusing on the present or the past. Future Orientation is closely linked to the GLOBE dimension of Long-Term Orientation, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditions and preparing for the future. Additionally, Future Orientation is related to the dimension of Uncertainty Avoidance, as cultures with a strong future orientation may seek to establish more formal rules and structures to reduce uncertainty and ensure the achievement of long-term goals.
• Analyze how the level of Future Orientation in a society can influence its approach to decision-making, risk-taking, and attitudes towards saving and investing.
  • Cultures with a high degree of Future Orientation tend to value long-term planning, investment, and delayed gratification. This can influence decision-making processes, as individuals and organizations in these societies are more likely to consider the long-term consequences of their actions and make decisions that prioritize future outcomes over short-term gains. Additionally, a strong future orientation may be associated with a lower tolerance for risk, as individuals and organizations seek to minimize uncertainty and ensure the achievement of long-term goals. Finally, the level of Future Orientation in a society can shape attitudes towards saving and investing, with high Future Orientation cultures more likely to prioritize long-term financial planning and investment over immediate consumption.
• Evaluate the potential impact of a society's level of Future Orientation on its educational system, infrastructure development, and technological innovation.
  • Societies with a high degree of Future Orientation often have well-developed educational systems that prioritize long-term skill development, scientific and technological advancement, and the cultivation of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This focus on the future can lead to significant investments in infrastructure, such as transportation networks, communication systems, and energy production, which are essential for supporting economic growth and societal development over the long term. Additionally, a strong Future Orientation is often associated with a culture that values technological innovation, research and development, and the implementation of new technologies to address emerging challenges and opportunities. This can result in a society that is more adaptable, resilient, and capable of responding to the evolving needs of the future.

Related terms

Time Orientation: The cultural emphasis placed on the past, present, or future, which influences how individuals and societies approach decision-making and problem-solving.

Long-Term Orientation: A cultural value that emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditions and preparing for the future, often at the expense of short-term gains.

Uncertainty Avoidance: The degree to which a culture feels threatened by uncertain, ambiguous, or unstructured situations and tries to avoid them by establishing more formal rules and structures.