Cultural Dimensions în India

Introduction

Trompenaars describes cultural differences using seven dimensions: universalism versus particularism, individualism versus collectivism, neutral versus affective, specific versus diffuse, achievement versus ascription, sequential versus synchronic and internal versus external control. The first five dimensions deal with how people relate to each other. The two final dimensions deal with how a culture manages time, and how it deals with nature. Each dimension is a range of cultural differences.

Trompenaars’ cultural dimensions in India

1. Relationships with people

Universalism versus particularism

In cultures with universalistic orientation, people believe in abstract principles such as the rules of law, religion or cultural principles. The focus is more on formal rules than on relationships. Particularism, on the other hand, is the belief that circumstances dictate how ideas and practices should be applied.

India: is a particularistic culture. The people focus more on relationships and trust. They believe that rules can be modified depending on the situations. They make exceptions for their friends and family relations. In this country the written contract are less important and business deals are flexible to the situation.

Individualism versus collectivism

In individualistic societies the focus is on “I” or “me” and the orientation is on one’s own growth. In collectivist societies the focus is on groups including family, organization and community. Responsibility, achievement and rewards are group-based.

India: is a collectivist culture. People from this country place the community interests and needs before the individual ones. They define themselves by the groups to which they belong rather than by their status as individuals. They enjoy working as members of a team and feel more confident in a group. The Indian culture is more people and family oriented. Family values are very important for them. They are more dependent on others.

Neutral versus affective

In neutral cultures, the tendency of the people is to control one’s emotion so that it will not interfere with judgment. In contrast, affective cultures encourage expression of emotions. Expressions of anger, laughter, gesturing and a range of emotional outbursts are considered normal and acceptable.

India: is more an affective culture. Usually people express what they are thinking and feeling in their workplace. They expect strong commitment and tolerate emotional outbursts. People do not always stick to the point and the meetings can often deviate from the subject.

Specific versus diffuse

In specific cultures, individuals have large public space and relatively small private ones. While public space is open, private is guarded carefully and shared with only close friends. In diffuse cultures does not exist any distinction between public and private spaces.