Key Management Models, 3rd Edition

74

Culture dimensions (Trompenaars)

The big picture

In their 1997 book, Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner introduced seven dimensions of culture that help in understanding and managing cultural differences. They are commonly referred to as ‘Trompenaars’ culture dimensions’, but are also known as ‘Trompenaars’ seven dimensions of national culture’ (or ‘Trompenaars’ model of national culture differences’).

Based on extensive research into the preferences and values of people in cultures around the world, Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner found that people from different cultures differ in very specific ways, and that these differences ...