No One-Size-Fits-All: Empirical Evidence of Cultural Differences Among Urban Planners in 10 Countries

This study examines the proposition that national culture is related to urban planning practices. It uses Hofstede’s seven dimensions of national culture, a survey of 500 urban planners across 10 countries, and one-way ANOVA to test for national culture differences. The analyses reveal that urban planners across countries differ on all seven of Hofstede’s national culture dimensions. We argue against the proposition of a homogenizing culture or the development of a “common planning practice.” We comment on how cultural differences might factor into urban planners’ attitudes toward advocacy and social equity planning, citizen participation, and other issues relevant to planners’ practice.