Key Points
The Seven Dimensions of Culture model was created by Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner, and was published in their book, "Riding the Waves of Culture."
The model says that what distinguishes people from one culture compared with another is where their preferences fall on each of the following seven dimensions:
1. Universalism versus particularism.
2. Individualism versus communitarianism.
3. Specific versus diffuse.
4. Neutral versus emotional.
5. Achievement versus ascription.
6. Sequential time versus synchronous time.
7. Internal direction versus outer direction.
You can use the model to understand people from different cultural backgrounds better, so that you can work with them more effectively, and prevent misunderstandings.
Be sensible in how you apply the model. Treat people as individuals, and remember that there are many factors that will have a bearing on how you communicate and interact with other people.
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