Risk Aversion: As Perceived by U.S. and Swedish Officers
Abstract
People in modern societies are generally becoming more risk aversive. Whether risk is perceived to include uncertainty or not forms two differing schools of thought within literature and doctrine. Risk aversion has traditionally been viewed as a challenge by students at U.S. and Swedish Military Colleges. However, others have considered risk aversion as a good alternative to risk seeking. This study addresses perceptions of risk aversion through the following question: "How do perceptions of risk aversion in the conduct of the military profession compare between officers from the United States and officers from Sweden?" The analysis shows that these groups' perceptions of risk aversion differ noticeably. The author examines two theories that may explain these differences: Dr. David Eberhard's model for defining safety addiction and Professor Geert Hofstede's model of cultural dimensions. Cultural differences between the United States and Sweden correlate with the officers' differences in perceptions of risk aversion. There is higher uncertainty avoidance and assertiveness in U.S. culture compared to Swedish culture. However, due to the limited scope and depth of the survey conducted in this study, it is not feasible to determine degrees of risk aversion in the two cultures. In addition, all conclusions are tentative without validation by more extensive studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA547583
Entities
People
- Fredric Westerdahl
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College