In nowadays economic and technological advancement as well as unlimited communication means, the work environment is more heterogeneous then ever, especially in terms of cultural background. This has provided for broad and diverse communication and interaction styles, behaviors, expectations and manifestations almost in every economic unit. On the other side the multinational corporates are the most eminent example how the cultural diversity can be enriching and productive as well in same time cultural and background differences can cause differences in understanding and even cultural shock or conflicts.
These issues are addressed in various studies and theories like Hofstedes’ Dimensions of Culture or Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner's Seven Dimensions of Culture.
Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner are management consultants. They published their work on cultural differences in 1997. They developed the model based on a more than 10 years investigation and research in many countries in the world and based on feedback they received from more than 46000 managers in more than 40 countries.
They concluded that because different cultures have different traits in terms of way of thinking, values, beliefs and preferences, people from different cultural backgrounds develop different profiles. Such profiles are very specific and according to Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner model, based on cultural background of on individual is possible to predict how they behave and interact in communities other from that of their cultural background.
They developed a seven dimensions model used to analyze and compare cultural differences among individuals of different cultural groups and backgrounds. The model consist in the following elements o...
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...ample of external-direction cultures.
In conclusion, the model is a powerful tool to be used for better approaching multinational environments, situations and tasks. It provides a clear picture of different traits of cultural background helping mangers to avoid misunderstanding and reducing costs associated with conflicts resolutions. Moreover since that is based on preferences and behavioral response of individuals of different cultures it is an accurate measuring tool of consumer behavior in regard to products and services.
Works Cited
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/seven-dimensions.htm
http://www.globalprojectmanagement.org/index.php/global-project-management-framework/global-teams/cross-cultural-collaboration/23-trompenaars-dimensions
http://provenmodels.com/580/seven-dimensions-of-culture/charles-hampden-turner--fons-trompenaars
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In his essay, “What is Culture?”, Kluckhohn explains the differences and similarities amongst world’s peoples. To support his explanation of the differences and similarities he provides the concept of culture. It is difficult to give this concept a precise definition because the word “culture” is a broad term. Kluckhohn allows the reader to understand the concept of culture by providing examples of cultural differences along with some anthropological evidence to support his views.
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Experiencing a society of multi-cultures is beneficial through a variety of concepts to epitomize each individual identity. A person may vary in the degree to which he or she identifies with, morals, or...
John, W. Berry, Ype H. Poortinga, Marshall, H. Segall, Pierre R. Dasen (2002). Cross- Cultural Psychology: Research and applications (2nd ed.) United States of America, New York.
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Understand and heed cultural differences - cultural variables in transacting international business. (1991, January 28). Business America. FindArticles.com., Retrieved March 20, 2009, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1052/is_n2_v112/ai_10412261/pg_4?tag=content;col1
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Culture can also shape individuals’ development of self, which also influence their behaviors. According to Smith (2014) an individual from Western cultures tend to develop independent self-construal which he or she tends to “strive for self-expression, uniqueness and self-actualization, acting autonomously based on his/her own thoughts and feelings, and pursuing his/her own goals” (p. 160). In contrast, an individual from East Asia tends to acquire interdependent self-construal where he or she tends to view “the self as closely connected to the social context” which he or she strive “to fit in and maintain harmony with relevant others, basing their actions and expectations and social norms” (Smith, 2014, p. 160). The different types of self-construal give rise