Language & WorldMental model
Six sliders for comparing cultures.
From 1967, Geert Hofstede analysed surveys of IBM employees in 50 countries and found dimensions on which cultures differ: power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, long-term orientation, indulgence. Germany scores low on power distance and high on uncertainty avoidance; China the reverse. The model is coarse but useful for naming team friction instead of taking it personally.
Useful: Arguing about rules versus flexibility in an international team? Often a cultural dimension, not a character flaw.
Source: en.wikipedia.org