Clusters

The dimensions of Hofstede, the dilemmas of Trompenaars. the keys of Solomon and Schell, the characteristics of Hall (see Culture 7), the scales of Meyer and the theory of Lewis have been grouped together in five clusters with a focus on general understanding, not the specific detail.

Cluster 1: relations (power distance; leading; masculinity; individual and group; neutral – affective; specific – diffuse; achievement – ascription; transactional – interpersonal; work-life balance; interfacing; evaluating; trusting; disagreeing). This cluster clearly shows that the relations between people in all their complexity are strongly influenced by culture.

Cluster 2: time (attitudes; value of time; mono-chronic – poly-chronic; time as communication; scheduling; linear-active, multi-active, reactive). Time is a rather undervalued as a cultural factor.

Cluster 3: environment (attitudes). The environment is a major aspect in cultural anthropology but not so much in the practical use of culture, as in the theories presented here.

Cluster 4: rules (uncertainty avoidance; universalism – particularism; change tolerance; persuading). Uncertainty avoidance and rules are mentioned in one breath because rules and procedures are a means to decrease uncertainty; if rules apply, the outcome is known (more or less). A similar argument applies to change tolerance and persuading. Rules and procedures apply to national, organisational sectoral and professional culture.

Cluster 5: communication (direct – indirect; fast and slow messages; high and low context; territoriality; fast and slow information flow; chain of actions). Communication (with language as a key element) may be well considered as the flipside of the coin of culture.