Cultures & subcultures

Question 1

Cultural Analysis: How do we compare national cultures & subcultures?

Answer 1

By using systematic models:
- Hall
- Hofstede
- Trompenaars
- GLOBE Project
- Kluckhohn & Strodtbeck

Question 2

Name the scholars for each of the cultural frameworks

Answer 2

Edward T.Hall (1981)
Geert Hofstede (1980)
Fond Trompenaars (1993)
Robert J. House (2004)

Question 3

What is the benefit of using systematic models?

Answer 3

• We can gain a conceptual understanding into why some people think & act differently from others.
• Comparing cultural dimensions can reveal some general trends between two or more cultures.
• Moreover, it can be useful as a starting point for cross-cultural understanding.

Question 4

What do global managers need to consider when using these systematic tools?

Answer 4

• Managers have to know which practices or behaviour will create barriers to conducting business and which will open a path to partnership.
• The experts provide advice that is not always in agreement, so you need to put in the effort to truly understand cultures and cultural differences.