cultural dimension in the concept of G. Hofstede, reflecting the degree to which members of society feel discomfort and anxiety in situations of uncertainty, ambiguity or instability. Cultures with high levels of uncertainty avoidance tend to create strict rules, norms, and formalized procedures to minimize uncertainty and risk. In such societies, people are afraid of change, prefer stability, caution and risk avoidance, have high anxiety and are prone to conformism. Examples of such crops are Greece, Portugal, Japan and Eastern European countries. Cultures with low levels of uncertainty avoidance are more tolerant of ambiguity, less formalized, willing to accept differences and risks, and less stressed and anxious in uncertain situations. Such societies value individual freedom and flexibility. An example is the Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian cultures.