7 Dimensions of Culture

Trompenaar’s developed this dimensions

 Universalism versus Particularism:

In universal culture societies, it is believed that ideas and practices can be applied
everywhere in the world without modification. Here, high regard is given to rules, laws, and
regulations. Focus is on formal rules and relies on business contacts. Example: U.S. and
Canada. In Particularism societies, it is believed that circumstances dictate how ideas and
practices should be applied and same rules cannot be applied everywhere. Here, high
regard is given to relationship. Example: - Russia.

 Individualism versus Communitarianism:

In individualism culture societies, it is believed that an individual should be given complete

freedom and he/she should be empowered to make decisions and promote creativity in
the society. Example: U.K.

However, in a communitarian culture, people regard themselves as part of a group .They

Seek consultation and mutual consent before making decisions. Japan is an example of
communitarian culture.

 Specific versus diffuse:

In Specific culture societies, it is believed that personal and professional lives should not be
mixed.
Individuals have a large public space which they readily share with others however they do
have a small private space which they guard closely and share with only close friends and
associates. People often are open and extroverted. Example: Germany.

In Specific culture societies, both public and private space is similar in size and individuals
guard their public space carefully. People in diffuse culture like to form bonds in their
professional lives too. People often appear indirect and introverted. Example: India and
Russia.

 Neutral versus Emotional:

In neutral culture, emotions are suppressed and people try not to show their feelings. They
try to minimize their interactions in the society. Example: U.K. and Sweden. In emotional
culture, emotions are expressed openly and naturally. People have high regard for
emotions and are willing to express their feelings. Example: Italy and France.

 Achievement versus Ascription:

 In achievement oriented countries, people are accorded status based on how well they
perform their functions. Hence people focus on achieving goals and reward good
performance. Here, a person’s position and power is not important. Example: Canada.

However, in ascription-oriented culture, people have high concern for position and title.
Here status is attributed based on whom or what a person is. Example: Italy.

 Sequential Time versus Synchronous Time:

In sequential time culture, high regard is given to planning and scheduling work. Example:
U.S.

On the other hand, in synchronous time culture, people focus on flexibility and do not lay
emphasis on sequential events. Example: Argentina.

 Internal direction versus Outer Direction:

People in internally directed control cultures believe in controlling environmental

outcomes. They give emphasis to self-control as well as on controlling the environment.
For example, the U.K and U.S. exhibit internal direction culture.

However, in outer direction culture, People believe in allowing things to take their natural
course and believe in being controlled by the environment. An example of such culture is
China.