With the help of the 5-D model©, cultural differences and their consequences between nations, societies and regions can be accurately described.
If Western clients have no interest in cultural differences between themselves and East and South-East Asia, then we will use the 4-D model.

All national cultures can be characterized according to the following key dimensions:

* Power Distance
The extent to which the less powerful members of society accept that power is unequally distributed.

* Individualism
In individualistic societies there are few ties beyond those of the nuclear family, whereas in collectivist societies people belong to strong, cohesive in-groups.

* Masculinity
In 'masculine' societies men are assertive, tough, and concerned with material success, whereas women are more modest, tender, and interested in the quality of life. In 'feminine' societies, both are equally concerned with quality of life.

* Uncertainty Avoidance
The extent to which people feel threatened by uncertain or unknown situations. This is expressed in a need for formality, predictability and clear rules.

* Long-Term Pragmatic
The extent to which people favor a pragmatic, future-oriented perspective - fostering virtues like perseverance and thrift - over short-term thinking.

Hofstede has calculated scores for these dimensions (on a scale from around 0 and 100) for many countries. For example, the US scores 91 on Individualism and Guatemala 6, reflecting the fact that the US is highly individualistic and Guatemala very collectivist. See our list of national cultures for more scores.