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The first is a framework for describing the broad, general value orientations that characterize large groups,
such as nationalities, ethnic groups, industries, or organizations. Much research has been done, for example,
in identifying the differences in values that arise across
cultural groups. The point of this research is to identify
ways in which nationalities differ from one another
since almost all managers now face the need to manage
across national boundaries. In your own life, it is likely
that you will interact increasingly with individuals who
do not share your birth country, and knowing something about their value orientations will help your
interactions be more effective. It has been discovered
that values differ systematically across national cultures, and these differences are a strong influence in
Table 1
Cultural Values
Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars (1998, 2000) identified seven value dimensions on which significant differences exist among national cultures. His data are
based on 30,000 managers in 55 countries, and he
found that certain cultures emphasize some values
more than others do. Table 1 identifies HampdenTurner and Trompenaars seven dimensions, and we
provide examples of countries that represent each of
the value dimensions. No national culture emphasizes
VALUE DIMENSIONS
EXPLANATION
Universalism
Particularism
Korea, Venezuela,
China, Indonesia
Individualism
Collectivism
Mexico, Indonesia,
Japan, Philippines
Affective
Neutral
Specific
Holland, Sweden,
Denmark, United Kingdom
Diffuse
China, Nigeria,
Singapore, Korea
Achievement
Ascription
Egypt, Indonesia,
Korea, Czech Republic
France, Japan,
United Kingdom
Future
Internal
External
Source: Hampden-Turner, C., and Trompenaars, F. (1998). Riding the waves of culture. New York: McGraw-Hill.
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