Cross-Cultural Communication Study Notes

Cultural Continua by Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner

• Developed frameworks for understanding cultural differences in global management.
• Involved research with 1,500 managers across 28 countries.
• Published findings in "Riding the Waves of Culture," emphasizing cultural diversity in management.

Universalism vs. Particularism

• Universalism: Cultures that prioritize uniformity and predictability in rules and expectations (e.g., Finland, Germany, USA).
• Particularism: Cultures where social circumstances and relationships shape the enforcement of rules (e.g., Portugal, China, Malaysia).

Individualism vs. Collectivism

• Individualism: Cultures that emphasize personal success and independence, valuing individual rights (e.g., USA).
• Collectivism: Cultures that focus on group cohesion and collective progress, prioritizing community and family (e.g., Japan).

Affective vs. Neutral Cultures

• Affective Cultures: Cultures that promote open emotion and expression, valuing the display of feelings (e.g., Latin America, Mediterranean).
• Neutral Cultures: Cultures that emphasize emotional restraint and control, where feelings are managed discreetly (e.g., Japan, UK).

Diffuse vs. Specific Cultures

• Specific Cultures: Cultures that maintain distinct boundaries between work and personal life, leading to clear divisions in roles and interactions (e.g., Germany).
• Diffuse Cultures: Cultures where personal and public spheres blend, and relationships overlap across contexts (e.g., USA).

Achievement vs. Ascription

• Achievement-oriented Cultures: Value status based on personal accomplishments and skills, fostering meritocratic systems (e.g., competitive promotions).
• Ascriptive Cultures: Assign status based on attributes like age, connections, or seniority, often leading to hierarchical promotion paths (e.g., loyalty-based promotion).

Cultural Continua by Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner

• Developed frameworks for understanding cultural differences in global management.
• Involved research with 1,500 managers across 28 countries.
• Published findings in "Riding the Waves of Culture," emphasizing cultural diversity in management.

Universalism vs. Particularism

• Universalism: Cultures that prioritize uniformity and predictability in rules and expectations (e.g., Finland, Germany, USA).
• Particularism: Cultures where social circumstances and relationships shape the enforcement of rules (e.g., Portugal, China, Malaysia).

Individualism vs. Collectivism

• Individualism: Cultures that emphasize personal success and independence, valuing individual rights (e.g., USA).
• Collectivism: Cultures that focus on group cohesion and collective progress, prioritizing community and family (e.g., Japan).

Affective vs. Neutral Cultures

• Affective Cultures: Cultures that promote open emotion and expression, valuing the display of feelings (e.g., Latin America, Mediterranean).
• Neutral Cultures: Cultures that emphasize emotional restraint and control, where feelings are managed discreetly (e.g., Japan, UK).

Diffuse vs. Specific Cultures

• Specific Cultures: Cultures that maintain distinct boundaries between work and personal life, leading to clear divisions in roles and interactions (e.g., Germany).
• Diffuse Cultures: Cultures where personal and public spheres blend, and relationships overlap across contexts (e.g., USA).

Achievement vs. Ascription

• Achievement-oriented Cultures: Value status based on personal accomplishments and skills, fostering meritocratic systems (e.g., competitive promotions).
• Ascriptive Cultures: Assign status based on attributes like age, connections, or seniority, often leading to hierarchical promotion paths (e.g., loyalty-based promotion).