Personality Styles Across Cultures: How Environment Shapes Behavior

I’ve joked for years that if a Dove from New York City moved to Kansas, they’d suddenly be seen as an Eagle. Not because they changed, but because the environment did.

Behavior is often judged relative to its surroundings. Psychologist Michele Gelfand introduced the idea of tight and loose cultures, which explains why styles look different depending on where you are.

Loose cultures, such as the United States and Brazil, are more accepting of flexibility and individual expression. Tight cultures, like Japan and Singapore, have stricter norms and clearer expectations regarding behavior.

Here’s what that looks like with the four DISC styles (aka Eagles, Parrots, Doves, and Owls).

• Eagles move fast, speak directly, and take charge. In loose cultures, that comes across as powerful. Speaking up and pushing forward is how they get results. In tighter cultures, especially those with a strong hierarchy, that same behavior can feel out of place. The Eagle has to slow down, read the room, and respect structure before acting.
• Parrots bring energy, conversation, and visible enthusiasm. In a loose culture like Brazil, that energy fits. It’s welcomed, encouraged, and often expected. The Parrot becomes more expressive, more animated, more themselves. In a tighter environment, that same Parrot tones it down. They don’t stop being a Parrot, but they don’t show it the same way.
• Doves focus on harmony, relationships, and connection. In tight cultures, those traits fit naturally. Respect and awareness are built into the culture, so Doves often feel at ease. In loose cultures, where communication is more direct and energetic, Doves may need to adapt. Speaking up, addressing conflict, and handling blunt feedback become part of the adjustment.
• Owls value accuracy, structure, and thoughtful decision-making. In tight cultures, they thrive. Clear rules and shared expectations create an environment where precision is appreciated. In looser cultures, where structure is lighter, Owls may act more spontaneously and let go of the need to plan everything before they act.

Why Personality Looks Different Depending on Where You Are

The same person can look completely different depending on where they are. A parrot in Brazil and a parrot in Japan aren’t different styles; they’re different expressions of the same style.

If you want to understand people, don’t just pay attention to what they do—notice where they are doing it.

​About the Author
Merrick Rosenberg is the author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You, The Chameleon, and many other books for adults, students, and kids. He is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality approach. As an award-winning speaker and President of Take Flight Learning, Merrick teaches people how to understand themselves and others through the lens of personality, because when you know your style, you unlock your path.