the four cultural value dimensions proposed by hofstede do not operate in isolation rather they are interdependent and interactive - and thus complex - in their effects on work attitudes and behaviors. for example in a 2000 study of small to medium-sized firms in australia finland greece indonesia mexico norway and sweden based on hofstede's dimensions Steensma Marino and weaver found that entrepreneurs from societies that are masculine and individualistic have a lower appreciation for cooperative from societies that are masculine and individualistic have a lower appreciation for cooperative strategies as compared to entrepreneurs from societies that are feminine and collectivist. Masculine cultures view co-operation in general as a sign of weakness and individualistic societies place a hige value on independence and control 18 in addition they found high levels of uncertainty avoidance prompted more cooperation such developing alliances to share risk