Some people find cultural differences interesting and enriching. However, encounters with other cultures can also lead to frustration and disappointment, sometimes for reasons we may not fully understand. It is therefore important to have a solid understanding of cultural differences, including how they influence our thoughts, feelings and actions, in order to better navigate cross-cultural environments.

A wide range of dimensions is commonly used to compare cultures, typically presented in the form of bipolar continua. These dimensions have been developed to provide greater cultural understanding and to enable cross-cultural comparisons.

There are several frameworks for understanding cultural differences. One of the most widely used models was developed by Geert Hofstede.