An Overview of Cultural

Theories 3
Indah (2018)_FIB UNEJ
Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner (2004)
classified cultures along a mix of behavioural and value patterns.
They identified seven value orientations:

1. Universalism vs. Particularism – a preference for rules rather than

trusting relationships
2. Communitarianism vs Individualism – similar to Hofstede’s
individualism/ collectivism
3. Neutral vs Emotional – the extent to which feelings are openly
expressed ( a behavioural aspect rather than a value)
4. Diffuse vs Specific cultures – range of involvement
Cultural diffusion (is a selective process). We borrow items from
other culture(s) which are useful or compatible to ours.
5. Achievement vs Ascription
6. Human-time relationship – how we see the importance of time
7. Human-nature relationship – value orientations