Trompenaars and hampden-turner
After having spent 10 years of researching cultures around the world, management consultants Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner developed The Seven Dimensions of Culture. This model was published in their 1997 book, Riding the Waves of Culture, and has been one of the most popularly utilized models since then (Smith, 2015).
According to Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, people can be better understood by analyzing seven primary dimensions that make up their respective cultures.
According to Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, people can be better understood by analyzing seven primary dimensions that make up their respective cultures.
The seven dimensions of culture
Universalism vs. Particularism:
Individualism vs. Communitarianism:
Specific vs. Diffuse:
Neutral vs. Emotional
Achievement vs. Ascription
Sequential Time vs. Synchronous Time
Internal Direction vs. Outer Direction
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Much like the Hofstede model, a key advantage to the Trompenaars' Model is that it can be utilized to gain a better understanding of people from different cultures. Whether in a multinational business setting or dealing with multicultural coworkers, models such as this can be drawn upon to effectively learn how to communicate and increase one's own cultural intelligence. It is important, however, to not define an individual by their associated culture's characteristics, but rather their own set of values and behaviors. Although useful in assisting to better understand cultures as a whole, assuming that everyone from a specific cultural background is exactly the same and possesses the same types of values and behavioral norms can lead to negative stereotyping. To avoid this from happening, always remember to treat each and every person as a unique individual, and understand that there are always other factors in life that contribute to how they may perceive things.
- Universalism - Within this type of culture, members place a high importance on things such as laws, values, and obligations.
- Particularism - Members of this type of culture focus more on the circumstances and relationships. Rules and values are therefore situational based.
Individualism vs. Communitarianism:
- Individualism - Personal freedom and achievement are valued above all else. Members of this of this type of culture therefore believing in independence and taking care of oneself.
- Communitarianism - The needs of a group are more important than the needs of an individual. Loyalty is expected in exchange for any help and safety provided by a group.
Specific vs. Diffuse:
- Specific - Work and personal life are kept separate. Creating strong relationships within a work environment is therefore not an important factor to successfully working together.
- Diffuse - Strong and good relationships at work are viewed as necessary to be successful at work.
Neutral vs. Emotional
- Neutral - When making decisions, reason is more of an influencing factor than emotions.
- Emotional - It is acceptable to show and express emotion at work.
Achievement vs. Ascription
- Achievement - Members of this type of culture often judge others based upon their ability to perform. Performance and personal achievement are therefore valued over title.
- Ascription - Members of this type of culture believe that one should be valued for their title and position. Authority is therefore valued and held at high esteem.
Sequential Time vs. Synchronous Time
- Sequential Time - People within this type of culture like for things to happen in order. Things such as punctuality, planning, and schedules are therefore valued.
- Synchronous Time - People within this type of culture are much more flexible with their concept of time.
Internal Direction vs. Outer Direction
- Internal Direction - Belief that one can control their environment in order to achieve goals.
- Outer Direction - Belief that ones environment controls them and effects their ability to achieve a goal.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Much like the Hofstede model, a key advantage to the Trompenaars' Model is that it can be utilized to gain a better understanding of people from different cultures. Whether in a multinational business setting or dealing with multicultural coworkers, models such as this can be drawn upon to effectively learn how to communicate and increase one's own cultural intelligence. It is important, however, to not define an individual by their associated culture's characteristics, but rather their own set of values and behaviors. Although useful in assisting to better understand cultures as a whole, assuming that everyone from a specific cultural background is exactly the same and possesses the same types of values and behavioral norms can lead to negative stereotyping. To avoid this from happening, always remember to treat each and every person as a unique individual, and understand that there are always other factors in life that contribute to how they may perceive things.