International Management Behavio
Trompenaars Cultural Model
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Trompenaars’ Seven Dimensions
Individualism vs Communitarianism
Internal vs External Control (mastery/harmony)
Space: Specific vs Diffuse (public/private)
Time: Sequential vs Synchronic (poly/monochronic)
Achievement vs Ascription
Universalism vs Particularism
Emotions: Affective vs Neutral
see Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner’s website: http:
www2.thtconsulting.com
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Individualism vs Communitarianism
Do we function in a group or as an individual?
Similar to Hofstede’s dimensions with some differences in allocating attributes to different cultures. Demonstrates the complex dynamic nature of culture and its effects on business.
Work Effects: A major difference lies in business negotiation styles. In individualist cultures, negotiators assume large personal responsibilities. In collective cultures decisions are committee based.
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Internal vs External Control
Do we control our environment or work with it?
Internalistic people are inner directed – “you can achieve anything you want” if you have the right skills & knowledge. They do not believe in luck or destiny.
Externalistic people are outer directed – they adopt to external circumstances – ‘nature moves in mysterious ways’ so you never know what will happen to you. They do not believe that they can shape their own destiny.
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Space: Specific vs Diffuse
How far do we get involved?
Individuals in specific cultures have a large public space readily sharing with others. They have a small private space - closely guarded and shared only with close friends and associates. Examples: Australia, UK, USA, Switzerland
In diffuse cultures both public and private space are similar in size & are closely guarded because entry into public space opens access to private space. Examples: China, Spain
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Time: Sequential vs Synchronic
Sequential – one activity at a time, close adherence to times for appointments, schedules. Unwillingness to deviate from schedules and a
angements.
Synchronic – more than one activity at a time, appointments are approximate – may be changed at short notice. Schedules generally subordinate to relationships. Examples: Mexico, France
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Achievement vs Ascription
Do we have to prove ourselves to receive status or is it given to us?
In achievement cultures people are accorded status based on how well they perform their functions. Work status: Achievement cultures give high status to high achievers. Examples: USA, Australia, Great Britain, Switzerland
In ascription cultures status depends on who are what the person is and the duration that the person has worked in an organization, or depends on his/her well placed high personal contacts. Examples: China and Spain
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Universalism vs Particularism
What is more important – rules or relationships?
Universalism – belief that ideas and practices can be applied everywhere without modification. Work: Focus is on formal rule rather than relationships. “A deal is a deal”. Examples: USA, Australia, Germany
Particularism - belief that circumstances dictate how ideas and practices should be applied. Work: Focus is on relationships (business contacts) and trust rather than rules. Legal contracts often modified. As trust ‘builds’ methods of executing deals often changes. Examples: China, Indonesia
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Affective vs Neutral
Do we display our emotions?
In neutral cultures emotions are held in check. People try not to show feelings, act stoically and maintain composure. Examples: Japan, Great Britain, China
In affective cultures emotions are expressed openly and naturally, people speak loudly when excited; greet each other effusively. Examples: Mexico, Latin cultures
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Trompenaars’ on Culture and Cultural Dimenisons
http:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqNI8le1bF4
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