The Hierarchy of Influences Model, National Culture, Human Development, and Journalism Influences

Abstract

This study examines how social systems level variables may help shape broadcast journalists’ perceptions of the forces influencing their work. We combined Worlds of Journalism Study data with Hofstede's cultural orientations to consider how the levels of the hierarchical influences model may coalesce. In six analyses across four levels, culture was significantly correlated with perceived influences. Our findings support the belief the social systems level is the hegemonic level on which the other levels rest.