Article

Cultural analysis

The cultural analysis conducted here is based on our project in collaboration with the People’s Process on Housing and Poverty (PPHPZ) in Chazanga, a neighborhood of the capital Lusaka, with reference to Hofstede’s 12 dimensions tool for diagnosis.

Feminine

PPHPZ takes care of the poorer population, who have no proper housing facilities. In Zambia, many women sit at home with HIV. While building houses is seen as a man's job. The PPHPZ gives these women the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of housing. They can contribute to the building of the very needed homes. This makes them useful, and they play an important role. These characteristics fit well with the culture dimension feminism, care in our case is an important value.

Traditionalism

The residents use old techniques for the houses. The houses are very outdated. They need to see the benefits of the new techniques. PPHPZ is an innovative organisation, who tries to do this.

The approach, to involve women in a construction project is a new way of thinking in Zambia. It’s a very innovative approach. Totally the opposite of traditionalism. PPHPZ shows that they are open to change and that is a good base.

Sequential

The project that we are going to implement, will be performed by a schedule. For more information, see the project structure.

PPHPZ also works per project with a time schedule. This is clear and shows clarity on the feasibility of a project. Hence the choice of this culture dimension

Internalism (or voluntarism)

PPHPZ is a movement that was originally founded because the Zambian government did not do enough to solve the housing problem in the country. So the people who work here have a clear purpose and mission to solve this problem, they are highly motivated. As a result, the dedication of the employees to their work is high.

Civil Society:

The women and the residents of Chazanga have the freedom to make their own decisions. They can choose for PPHPZ to buy their building materials if they want. Regardless of any other (church, family, etc.) This makes this an good example of the principle of a civil society.