A Cross-Cultural Analysis of American and Dutch Museum Web Sites Concerning Online Fundraising

Abstract

This study focuses on the information that can be found online encouraging support and donations to Dutch and American museums. English language web sites of American and Dutch museums are analyzed and compared to identify possible issues that potential American donors might have when visiting Dutch museum sites. The expert-evaluation technique and heuristics are used to locate potential problems in content presentation, audience awareness, tone, style and credibility. In an effort to model the effects of culture on web design, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are used as the theoretical basis for comparing the content presented.