Discover Your True Cultural Values with This Simple Test
Understanding your cultural values is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Knowing what matters most to you can help you navigate the complexities of different cultural contexts, build strong relationships, and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
But how do you discover your true cultural values? One simple way is to take the Culture Compass test, developed by Fons Trompenaars, an expert in intercultural management. This test is based on seven dimensions of culture: universalism versus particularism, individualism versus collectivism, neutral versus emotional, specific versus diffuse, achievement versus ascription, sequential versus synchronous, and internal versus external control.
Let’s take a closer look at each dimension and how it can impact your cultural values.
Universalism versus Particularism
Universalism is the belief that rules, norms, and standards should be applied equally to all people, regardless of their background or relationship. Particularism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of personal relationships, favors, and exceptions.
If you score high on universalism, you may value fairness, justice, and impartiality. You may believe that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of their social status or personal connections. If you score high on particularism, you may value loyalty, trust, and connections. You may believe that it’s important to help those who are close to you, even if it means bending the rules.
Individualism versus Collectivism
Individualism is the belief that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals and interests, without undue interference from others. Collectivism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of group harmony, cooperation, and interdependence.
If you score high on individualism, you may value autonomy, self-reliance, and independence. You may prefer to work alone or in small groups, and prioritize personal achievement over collective goals. If you score high on collectivism, you may value teamwork, collaboration, and consensus. You may feel a sense of loyalty and obligation to your group or community, and prioritize shared goals over personal success.
Neutral versus Emotional
Neutral cultures value self-control, stoicism, and restraint in emotional expression, while emotional cultures value spontaneity, passion, and emotionality.
If you score high on neutrality, you may value logic, reason, and objectivity. You may prefer to keep your emotions in check and focus on facts and data. If you score high on emotionalism, you may value intuition, empathy, and creativity. You may be more comfortable expressing your feelings and engaging in emotional exchanges with others.
Specific versus Diffuse
Specific cultures separate public and private life, and value clear boundaries between different social roles and contexts. Diffuse cultures blend public and private life and value interconnectedness, overlap and harmony between social roles and contexts.
If you score high on specificity, you may value direct communication, explicit agreements, and task-focused relationships. You may prefer to keep personal matters separate from professional ones, and prioritize efficiency and clarity. If you score high on diffuseness, you may value indirect communication, holistic understanding, and relationship-focused interactions. You may see personal and professional matters as interconnected, and prioritize building trust and rapport.
Achievement versus Ascription
Achievement cultures value merit, skills, and achievement in determining status and respect, while ascription cultures value social status, age, gender, and other innate characteristics.
If you score high on achievement, you may value hard work, education, and skill-building. You may believe that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve success based on their abilities and effort. If you score high on ascription, you may value social hierarchy, reputation, and seniority. You may believe that respect and honor should be accorded based on one’s position in society or group.
Sequential versus Synchronous
Sequential cultures view time as linear, and value punctuality, planning, and scheduling. Synchronous cultures view time as circular, and value flexibility, spontaneity, and adaptation to the moment.
If you score high on sequentialism, you may value deadlines, schedules, and clear sequences of events. You may prefer to plan ahead and follow established routines. If you score high on synchronism, you may value fluidity, creativity, and spontaneity. You may be more comfortable with change and improvisation, and appreciate the unexpected.
Internal versus External Control
Internal cultures believe that individuals are in control of their own destiny, and value self-determination and personal responsibility. External cultures deemphasize individual agency and highlight the influence of external factors, such as fate, luck, or social forces.
If you score high on internality, you may value self-reliance, autonomy, and accountability for your actions. You may prefer to make your own decisions and take responsibility for the outcomes. If you score high on externality, you may value social support, external guidance, and situational context. You may see life events and outcomes as largely determined by outside factors, and look for external resources and support.
Conclusion
Understanding your cultural values can help you communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and succeed in today’s globalized world. By taking the Culture Compass test and reflecting on your results, you can gain valuable insights into what matters most to you and how it relates to different cultural dimensions. Remember that cultural values are not fixed or absolute, but rather situated and contextual. By remaining open-minded, curious, and flexible, you can embrace cultural diversity and leverage it for growth and achievement.
