Trompenaars's model of national culture differences

Trompenaars research found there was high universalism in countries like the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, and Sweden.

Someone from a universalist culture would be wise not to dismiss personal meanderings as irrelevancies or mere small talk during such business meetings.

Countries that have high particularism include Venezuela, Indonesia, China, South Korea, and the former Soviet Union.

Trompenaars research yielded some interesting results and suggested that cultures may change more quickly than many people realize.

In Mexico, the shift from a previously communitarian culture could be explained with its membership in NAFTA and involvement in the global economy.

This contrasts with Hofstede's earlier research, which found these countries to be collectivist, and shows the dynamic and complex nature of culture.

At the same time, however, Bob has private space that is off-limits to the students who must call him “Doctor Smith” in class.

Therefore, in Germany, Herr Professor Doktor Schmidt would be referred to that way at the university, local market, and bowling alley—and even his wife might address him formally in public.

A great deal of formality is maintained, often giving the impression that Germans are stuffy or aloof.

In outer-directed culture, people believe in letting things take their own course and have a more flexible attitude, characterized by a willingness to compromise and maintain harmony with nature.