Trompenaars' Model

Question 1

Universalism - Particularism

Answer 1

• General rules and obligations are a strong source of moral reference - South – East Asia
• “Particular” circumstances are much more important than the rules - South – East Asia, China, African countries

Question 2

Specific - Diffuse

Answer 2

• Isolates the specific task from others; analytic reasoning - Anglo – Saxon countries
• Holistic, synthetic reasoning - South – East Asia

Question 3

Individualism - Communitarianism

Answer 3

• Individual values prevail, individual efficiency is rewarded – Western Countries
• Harmony and group cohesion prevail – Asian countries

Question 4

Internal - External

Answer 4

• People take themselves as the point of departure for determining the correct course of action – Protestant countries
• People orient their actions to others – Asia

Question 5

Sequential - Synchronic

Answer 5

• Time flows in one direction, one sequence – Western countries
• Time is a circle, past, present and future are all interrelated – Arab countries, Asia, Africa

Question 6

Achieved - Ascribed Status

Answer 6

• Status is ascribed on the basis of one’s achievements (by doing) – United States
• Status is achieved by virtue of age, class, gender, education etc – Malaysia, China

Question 7

Egalitarianism - Hierarchy

Answer 7

• Contributions must be assessed by themselves – Western countries
• The position of the individual influences the assessment of his / her actions – Oriental countries