Richard D. Lewis is a British social theorist who divided people into three different categories only based on their behaviour. He separated them into Linear-active, Multi-active and Reactive (CrossCulture, 2019)
LINEAR-ACTIVE This type of person known for doing not more than one thing at a time and only starting something new, when the task before is done. They will talk when they think it is necessary but they do not have to keep up the conversation when they do not see any need for it. They are planning their day, step by step and think and act very logically and stick to the given facts. Those people try to conceal their feelings and are not keen on losing their face in front of others. In Linear-active cultures it is not recommended to interrupt the one talking, only in rare occasions. They are very job oriented and prefer the truth over diplomacy. Sometimes they are impatience and limited body language is also traits of a linear-active culture. Officials and superiors are well respected and the social and professional life is separated. (CrossCulture, 2019)
MULTI-ACTIVE In cultures that are Multi-active the people do several things at once and they plan only the outlines and not like the Linear-active type every step. They are very verbal and talk most of the time therefore they often interrupt the conversation. Displaying feelings is a common in those emotional cultures and when they confront someone, they also do it emotionally and put their feelings before the facts. They have good excuses, are very flexible with the truth and are more people oriented than job oriented. Impatience and a strong and unlimited body language are also common in those cultures. They mix their social life and their professional life. (CrossCulture, 2019)
REACTIVE People in a Reactive culture are mostly listening in conversation and do not interrupt at all. To get things done they react to their partner’s actions and look at the general principle. They are polite, indirect, conceal their feelings and never confront others. Losing their face is horrible for them, they must never lose it. The culture is very people oriented and a statement is immediately a promise. Diplomacy is very important as well as patience. They have a subtle body language and use connections in their professional life which they connect strongly with their social life. (CrossCulture, 2019)
References:
CrossCulture. (2019). crossculture.com. Retrieved 11 29, 2019, from https://www.crossculture.com/about-us/the-model/
Picture: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d9/Richard-D-Lewis.jpg/220px-Richard-D-Lewis.jpg
