Due to the progressing globalization, characterized by improvements in communication technologies, rising trends to multicultural departments and the use of lower labor costs, the “understanding of multiculturalism is needed more than anything else”.
This understanding is “for instance, a prerequisite to the effective entry into new markets and new countries, whether by establishing licenses, setting up new subsidiaries, merger, takeover, or setting up co-operative or joint-ventures.”
Goal of this paper is to show Trompenaars´ model of culture, explain the dimension universal-ism versus particularism and work out differences and similarities between two cultures, the German and the U.S.-American culture, referring to the chosen dimension.
First of all, Trompenaars´ model of culture is shown and explained roughly. Afterwards the author is enumerating the seven dimensions. One chosen dimension will be worked out in detail, to use it for a comparison then. In the comparison the author shows different surveys and results to validate the cultural dimension and the corresponding assumptions. The paper ends with summarizing the critical remarks towards Trompenaars´ work, cultural theories in general and a short opinion from the author himself.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Problem
1.2 Goal
1.3 Structure
2. Trompenaars´ model of culture
2.1 Trompenaars´ definition of culture
2.2 Trompenaars´ seven dimensions
2.3. Universalism versus particularism
2.4. Comparison of Germany and the United States of America
3. Critical remarks and conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The goal of this paper is to examine Trompenaars' model of culture, specifically focusing on the dimension of universalism versus particularism to identify and analyze cultural similarities and differences between Germany and the United States of America.
- Theoretical foundation of Trompenaars' cultural model
- Detailed analysis of the universalism versus particularism dimension
- Comparative empirical study of German and U.S.-American cultural traits
- Evaluation of ethical behavior and policy formulation in different cultures
- Critical assessment of cultural quantification and model limitations
Excerpt from the Book
2.4. Comparison of Germany and the United States of America
For the comparison, it is important to define how Trompenaars categorizes the two compared countries, as universalistic or particularistic. As mentioned in an interview with him, the U.S.-Americans are Universalists, preferring the one best way which is always right.
Germany is even his example in the introduction of the universalism versus particularism dimension by saying “universalists, or rule-based behavior tend to be abstract. Try crossing the street when the light is red in a predominantly rule-based society such as Switzerland or Germany.”
To compare both countries regarding the first dimension, a story including questions created by Stouffers in 1951 can be used.
“You are riding in a car driven by a close friend. He hits a pedestrian. You know he was going at least 35 miles per hour in an area of the city where the maximum allowed speed is 20 miles per hour. There are not witnesses. His lawyer says that if you testify under oath that he was driving only 20 miles per hour, it may save him from serious consequences. What right has your friend to expect you to protect him?
a. My friend has definite right as a friend to expect me to testify to the lower figure.
b. He has some right as a friend to expect me to testify to the lower figure.
c. He has no right as a friend to expect me to testify to the lower figure.
Would you help your friend in view of the obligations you fell having for society?
d. Yes
e. No”
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the problem of multiculturalism in a globalized world and defines the research goal of comparing German and U.S.-American cultural dimensions.
2. Trompenaars´ model of culture: Introduces the onion model of culture, defines the seven dimensions, and provides a comparative analysis of universalism versus particularism.
3. Critical remarks and conclusion: Reflects on the limitations of the model, discusses the challenges of quantifying cultural data, and summarizes the findings.
Keywords
Trompenaars, Universalism, Particularism, Cultural Dimensions, Germany, United States of America, Globalization, Intercultural Management, Cultural Onion, Ethical Behavior, Cross-cultural Comparison, Social Codes, Rules, Values, Business Ethics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily examines Trompenaars' model of culture, specifically focusing on the dimension of universalism versus particularism to compare German and American cultural values.
What are the central themes addressed in the work?
The central themes include the definition of culture according to Trompenaars, the seven cultural dimensions, and the practical application of these dimensions in comparing national characteristics.
What is the core objective or research question?
The objective is to work out the differences and similarities between Germany and the U.S.-American culture by using the universalism versus particularism dimension to validate Trompenaars' assumptions.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The work utilizes a literature-based analysis of cultural theory and secondary data from empirical surveys, such as the Stouffer scenario, to validate cultural behavioral patterns.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical "onion" model of culture, the seven dimensions, and specific comparisons using legal and ethical scenarios to contrast universalistic and particularistic tendencies.
How would you characterize the keywords of this work?
The keywords center around Trompenaars' cultural framework, the specific comparison of German and American societies, and the broader context of intercultural management and ethical standards.
Does Trompenaars consider universalism and particularism as exclusive?
No, Trompenaars suggests that universalism is rarely found without any connection to particularistic thoughts, indicating that even universalistic societies occasionally rely on situational decisions.
What does the author conclude about the validity of the model?
The author concludes that while the model is a helpful, readable starting point for understanding cultural differences, it should not be considered an "unquestioned truth" and other surveys should be consulted for a complete view.
How do Germany and the U.S. compare regarding the "Stouffer" test?
Both countries score quite similarly in the test, with a majority (93% USA, 87% Germany) choosing not to help a friend lie under oath, suggesting a strong universalistic tendency in both nations.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Marvin Brucker (Autor:in), 2013, A Comparison of the U.S.-American and German Culture by one Aspect of Trompenaars "Model of Culture", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/292999
