Trompenaars 7 Dimensions of Culture

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Across
  1. 3. People tend to see their personal and work life as interconnected. These cultures believe that objectives can be better achieved when relationships are strong. As such, in these cultures work colleagues socialize with each other outside of work more. These cultures are courteous and respect age, status, and background more.
  2. 5. People believe that they can control their environment to achieve their goals. The focus is selfish (one’s self, one’s team, and one’s organization). Winning is important in these cultures and aggressive personalities are thus prevalent.
  3. 6. People tend to share their emotions, even in the workplace. In an affective culture, it considered normal that people share their emotions
  4. 7. Each case has to be examined in light of its special merits, you can bend the rules for family members, close friends, or important people.
  5. 10. Your outcomes in life are the result of your choices, decision makers make decisions and they don’t need to consult to do so.
  6. 11. People tend not to share their emotions. Emotions are of course felt by the individual, but they are kept in check and controlled.
  7. 13. Time is very important. People like projects to be completed in stages. Time is money, and so it is important that each stage is finished on time. It is rude to be late for meetings in these cultures.
  8. 14. You earn status through knowledge or skill. Job titles are earned and reflect this knowledge and skill. Anyone can challenge a decision if they have a logical argument.
Down
  1. 1. Your quality of life is better when we help each other. There is a strong sense of loyalty within the group. As a result of this group tendency, decision making is slower as everyone gives input.
  2. 2. People tend to keep their personal and work life separate. These cultures don’t see an overlap between the two spheres. These cultures tend to be schedule focussed and direct and to the point in their communications. They focus more on the goal than the relationship.
  3. 4. People see the past, present, and future as interwoven. Because of this people do several things at once, as time is interchangeable. This results in plans and deadlines being flexible. It also explains why punctuality is less important.
  4. 8. Treat all cases the same, even if they involve friends or loved ones. The focus is more on the rules than the relationship.
  5. 9. People believe that they must work with their environment to achieve their goals. In these cultures winning isn’t as important as maintaining a strong relationship. They focus on environmental factors e.g. relationships to achieve their goals.
  6. 12. You are given status based on who you are. This could be because of your social status, your education, or your age. You earn respect in these cultures because of your commitment to the organization, not your abilities. A decision will only be challenged by someone with higher authority.