Hampden-Turner's Seven Dimensions of Culture

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In nowadays economic and technological advancement as well as unlimited communication means, the work environment is more heterogeneous then ever, especially in terms of cultural background. This has provided for broad and diverse communication and interaction styles, behaviors, expectations and manifestations almost in every economic unit. On the other side the multinational corporates are the most eminent example how the cultural diversity can be enriching and productive as well in same time cultural and background differences can cause differences in understanding and even cultural shock or conflicts.

These issues are addressed in various studies and theories like Hofstedes’ Dimensions of Culture or Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner's Seven Dimensions of Culture.

Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner are management consultants. They published their work on cultural differences in 1997. They developed the model based on a more than 10 years investigation and research in many countries in the world and based on feedback they received from more than 46000 managers in more than 40 countries.

They concluded that because different cultures have different traits in terms of way of thinking, values, beliefs and preferences, people from different cultural backgrounds develop different profiles. Such profiles are very specific and according to Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner model, based on cultural background of on individual is possible to predict how they behave and interact in communities other from that of their cultural background.

They developed a seven dimensions model used to analyze and compare cultural differences among individuals of different cultural groups and backgrounds. The model consist in the following elements o...

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...ample of external-direction cultures.

In conclusion, the model is a powerful tool to be used for better approaching multinational environments, situations and tasks. It provides a clear picture of different traits of cultural background helping mangers to avoid misunderstanding and reducing costs associated with conflicts resolutions. Moreover since that is based on preferences and behavioral response of individuals of different cultures it is an accurate measuring tool of consumer behavior in regard to products and services.

Works Cited

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/seven-dimensions.htm

http://www.globalprojectmanagement.org/index.php/global-project-management-framework/global-teams/cross-cultural-collaboration/23-trompenaars-dimensions

http://provenmodels.com/580/seven-dimensions-of-culture/charles-hampden-turner--fons-trompenaars

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