The model and its six autonomous dimensions
Plus two semi-autonomous dimensions
A model can be defined as a schematic description of a system. Some people get very upset when they hear that we make use of a model to describe cultures. These people believe that a model cannot fully describe reality, and they are correct. Yet, they then don’t want to accept that life is so complex that we need models continuously in order to reflect about reality in a meaningful way.
A dimension is a variable on which the central tendency of people’s behaviour, attitudes and belief systems score. These are measured by averaging the answers given by respondents to questions presented to them online. At least that is how we measure culture. By the way, data collection about culture can also take place in other ways such as by participatory observation and in-depth interviews.
You are free to start at every dimension and to jump from one dimension to another dimension the way it suits you best. Yet, it is advisable to start with dimension D1 for the following reasons:
We will supply you with real life examples based on our work experience, but in such a way that it is impossible to identify the organisations concerned. Our ethical code prohibits us from disclosing names. A picture of culture discloses the most sensitive information that can be obtained next to proprietary information. If competitors are able to read this type of information, it can harm the interests of our clients. Financial information supplies a narrative about an organisation’s past and present. A picture of the culture presents a narrative about the present and the future.
Autonomous means that the score on one dimension does not influence the scores on the other dimensions. In other words, when one knows how a culture scores on one dimension one cannot predict how that same culture will score on one of the other five dimensions.
Semi-autonomous means that the score on either dimension D7 or dimension D8 is partly defined by the score on one of the autonomous dimensions. Yet, dimension D7 and dimension D8 are still to such a degree autonomous that it will supply sufficient additional information to identify them separately.