Geert Hofstede—dimensions of culture + Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner—cultural dilemmas

Question 1

Geert’s Power distance

Answer 1

Pattern of distribution of power to culture’s members.

Question 2

Geert’s Individualism/collectivism

Answer 2

Degree to which individuals perceive themselves as members of a group.

Question 3

Geert’s Uncertainty avoidance

Answer 3

Level of tolerance of ambiguous, new, or changed situations.

Question 4

Geert’s Masculine/feminine

Answer 4

Degree to which a culture follows traditional gender characterizations (masculine as rigid and competitive, feminine as nurturing and sharing).

Question 5

Geert’s Long-term/short-term

Answer 5

Long-term cultures focus on traditions and tend to resist change; short-term cultures are more pragmatic and see the positive potential of change.

Question 6

Geert’s Indulgence/restraint

Answer 6

Gratification of individual desires.

Question 7

Fons & Charles Universal/particular

Answer 7

Flexibility versus rules.

Question 8

Fons & Charles Individual/communitarian

Answer 8

The good that drives decisions (the individual or society as a whole

Question 9

Fons & Charles Neutral/affective

Answer 9

Expression of emotion.

Question 10

Fons & Charles Specific/diffuse

Answer 10

Public and private boundaries.

Question 11

Fons & Charles Achieved/ascribed

Answer 11

Source of merit (personal accomplishment or connection).

Question 12

Fons & Charles Sequential/synchronic

Answer 12

Sense of time (linear and limited or cyclical and expansive).

Question 13

Fons & Charles Internal/external

Answer 13

Individual control over one’s destiny.