The Richard Lewis model of cultural differences

According to the Richard Lewis model of cultural differences, it is possible to divide all the world´s cultures into three parts: linear-active, multi-active and reactive. These three clearly distinctive cultural groups form a triangle that is known in the world as the Lewis model.

The Lewis model has been successfully used in the development programmes designed to get to know cultural differences already over 30 years and over 70 000 people have participated in a special training programme based on that model. The Richard Lewis bestseller "When Cultures Collide" has sold over 1 million copies. 

The reason of the huge popularity of the Lewis cultural differences model is its practicality. By just thoroughly getting to know these three main cultural groups it is possible to navigate and understand quite well most of the world´s cultures.  

It is also important that the Lewis cultural differences model focuses mainly on the communication patterns of the people from different cultural background. This is the basis of every international business, because if the communication does
not flow smoothly, it prevents the creation of trust and hence reaching successful deals.
Knowing the Lewis cultural differences model helps to communicate with the
representative of each culture smoothly since the very beginning.  

In the following video the author of the model - a living legend Richard Lewis -
shortly introduces it by himself: 


Hea Koolitus OÜ manager Veiko Värk, who is a licensed partner of Richard Lewis Communications, can deliver those efficient and practical development programmes that are popular all over the world also in Estonia.  

As one part of the development programme every participant can fulfil a detailed questionnaire in a special online environment (CultureActive) and get to know what his or her individual cultural profile is - where he or she is located at Richard Lewis cultural differences triangle, according to his or her cultural preferences. It is also possible to compare his or her values and preferences with the ones of other cultures. This is a very powerful database due to the fact that it consists of over 100 detailed analyses of the world cultures! It is also possible to compare one´s own values and preferences with one´s home country - some people may be quite different compared to their home country average. Being aware and getting to know these differences may help to create better relationships.    

This is also an excellent tool for team building - it enables to see the whole team together and the location of each representative of the team according his or her preferences at the cultural differences model. It is also possible to compare the values of the team members, see the whole picture of the values of the team, commonalities and have meaningful discussions on these topics. The programme enables to get 360° feedback from the colleagues and compare one´s own values and preferences with the perceptions of these by other team members.    

The development programme can be delivered by using a specially designed interactive tool (Cross-Cultural Dialogue Mat) that enables the participants in the groups of around 4 people under the guidance of the trainer, to discuss cultural differences and complete interesting tasks.  

All the main fields from the point of view of the cultural differences like presentations, meetings, negotiations, management, teamwork and trust are covered.