Examining financial literacy and the financial aspects of Hofstede's four-factor culture model in Hungary

Abstract

The paper examines the financial culture and the use of financial knowledge of the Hungarian population based on Hofstede’s four-factor cultural dimension theory. Three research questions (financial application of Hofstede’s cultural model, testing it among the Hungarian population, and examining the relationship between financial knowledge and application) were investigated using a questionnaire-based quantitative research method on a representative sample. To answer the research questions, variables were grouped using principal component analysis, cluster analysis was performed to typify the population, and correlation analysis was carried out for financial knowledge and application. Based on the study, we recommended that financial education is important. A limitation of the study is that it is not representative in terms of educational attainment, but it is suitable for describing the financial characteristics of the Hungarian population. The study found that the Hungarian population can be characterized by applying Hofstede’s cultural model of finance. A significant part of the population holds collectivist views. It is also important to note that financial self-confidence and success orientation are not related to financial knowledge and its successful application.