Cultural awareness – National differences

Writers in the field of cross-cultural awareness look for opposing behaviour (or values) and then
place different cultures at different points along the scale. Here is a simplified version of some
well-known cultural differences; many are closely related. Notice how the descriptions are all
neutral. There are no positive or negative connotations.

Czech people are (more)…

-          please underline your choice about Czechs


Outgoing/informal vs. private/reserved

Live to work vs. work to live

Order vs. flexibility

Hierarchical vs. democratic

Loose time vs. strict time

Formality in names vs. informality in names

Expressive body language vs. restrained body language

Large personal space vs. close personal space

Self-determination vs. fatalistic

Personal fulfilment vs. group fulfilment

Merit vs. standing

Relationship vs. task

Welcoming risk vs. avoiding risk

Innovative vs. traditional

Open disagreement vs. subtle disagreement

Multi-tasking vs. linear tasking

Lunch is a snack vs. lunch is a pleasure

Pride in your counry vs. foreign is the best


……………………. people are (more)

-          please underline your choice about your nation


Outgoing/informal vs. private/reserved

Live to work vs. work to live

Order vs. flexibility

Hierarchical vs. democratic

Loose time vs. strict time

Formality in names vs. informality in names

Expressive body language vs. restrained body language

Large personal space vs. close personal space

Self-determination vs. fatalistic

Personal fulfilment vs. group fulfilment

Merit vs. standing

Relationship vs. task

Welcoming risk vs. avoiding risk

Innovative vs. traditional

Open disagreement vs. subtle disagreement

Multi-tasking vs. linear tasking

Lunch is a snack vs. lunch is a pleasure

Pride in your counry vs. foreign is the best