The Impact of Cultural Values and Bounded Rationality on Investment Decisions

Masterarbeit aus dem Jahr 2011 im Fachbereich BWL - Investition und Finanzierung, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (University of Groningen - Newcastle University), Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: This thesis investigates cultural and cognitive behavioural determinants of Home Bias throughindividual and macro level regressions. Cultural dimensions of Project GLOBE provide the basisfor the development of a relational model and the hypotheses. Through theorising this link, thisthesis shows that culture has an influence specifically on investment choices, but in a widersense on all economic choices humans undertake. The knowledge of those influences helpsbusiness managers in conducting international business by analysing local demand moreaccurately and gaining competitive advantages through knowledge. Although research has beenconducted in this field, no approach on culture and Home Bias has aimed at incorporating allGLOBE dimensions in one model or analysed Home Bias outside of fund levels and examined theindividual level. This thesis fills the gap in the literature and thereby contributes to crossculturalresearch. The analysis finds that on an individual level, power distance is the onlysignificant cultural determinant of Home Bias. The macro levels yields assertiveness,performance orientation and gender egalitarianism as significant results, depending on theregression model. The significance of the findings is low and inconsistent in dimensions, whichcalls for better quantification models of cultural value traits in regard to economic decisions.