This dimension reflects the construction of thoughts leading to a valid argument or a conclusion.

1. The empirical approach consists of inductive reasoning. It uses facts, observation, and experimentation to establish a model.
2. The theoretical approach consists in using deductive reasoning to demonstrate a hypothesis.

     How did you get to those results?
Observation – Model – Provisional Hypothesis – Theory (A)
Theory – Hypothesis – Observation – Confirmation (B)

This dimension refers to how risks, and their resulting consequences, are perceived and accepted.

1. Within risk-averse cultures, individuals tend to take their time before making a move to evaluate potential risks. In these cultures, failure can be shameful.
2. Within cultures that are comfortable with taking risks, individuals see emerging opportunities rather than potential dangers. In those cultures, failure is considered a source of learning.

     Do you prefer to “take a risk” (A) or “try your luck” (B)?

This dimension reflects the way rules are applied.

1. The application of rules is strict within the so-called “universal” cultures. A general solution is established to address specific situations.
2. The application is contextual within so-called “specific” cultures. Procedures and rules may be adjusted based on personal relationships and circumstances.

     Does the rule prevail over relationship (A)? Or vice versa (B)?

This dimension refers to the way decisions are made.

1. Consensual cultures are looking after unanimity. The decision process is longer, but it enables faster implementation since the protagonists and involved parties have been associated.
2. Within imposed decision’s cultures, decisions are imposed “from above,” they are made by one person, usually the boss. Therefore, the decision process is faster, but its implementation takes more time: decisions may be subjected to revision, as all the elements necessary to make a final decision have not always been brought up to decision-makers during decision time.

     Which phase is the fasted? Decision-making (B) or implementation (A)?

This dimension reflects the degree of acceptance of power and authority.

1. Within so-called “hierarchical” cultures, individuals do not believe that people are equal, or even that they should be. The distribution of power is a simple social reality. In this context, authority is a matter of personal power.
2. Within so-called “egalitarian” cultures, inequalities of power must be justified and individuals seek to reduce them. Authority is a functional matter.

     Does status prevail over competence? Or vice versa?

This dimension reflects the degree to which individuals are integrated into larger social groups.

1. Within so-called “collectivist” cultures, individuals are integrated into cohesive groups. The interests of the belonging group prevail over the personal interests of its members. Social harmony takes precedence over independence and individual expression.
2. Within so-called “individualistic” cultures, individuals perceive themselves independently from others. Self-fulfillment, freedom and personal well-being take precedence over group harmony and interest.

     Do the group’s interests prevail over mine (A)? Or vice versa(B)?

This dimension refers to thinking styles. It influences world’s perception by highlighting some aspects of a situation more than others.

1. Analytical thinking perceives objects independently from their context. The resulting approach is to examine each part of an object separately and to isolate them to study and classify them based on their internal attributes.
2. The holistic approach addresses the whole picture, considering the relationships between things and individuals in relation to their environment and context. The classification is therefore based on a contextual or functional relationship.

     Which of these objects would you group a notebook with? A pencil (A) or a magazine (B)? ²