A cultural values understanding of nations’ readiness for knowledge economy

Abstract EN

National culture could be a key factor in explaining nations readiness for knowledge economy (RKE).

This study extends Khalil and Maroufs (2015) investigation into seeking a cultural values-based understanding of the variation in RKE across nations.

Using a data set on 59 nations, nine hypotheses were tested and national wealth's mediating effect on the national culture-RKE relationship was explored.

Results indicate that the cultural values of uncertainty avoidance, future orientation, institutional collectivism, and in-group collectivism have the most negative influence on RKE, respectively, whereas humane orientation has a positive influence.

When national wealth is controlled for, uncertainty avoidance is the most influential cultural determinant of RKE.

These findings could provide a foundation for culture-based policies and strategies aimed at enhancing RKE across nations.