I’ve always joked that if a Dove, who is usually soft-spoken and caring, moves from New York City to Kansas, they’d be seen as the direct and assertive Eagle.
This happens because behavior is judged relative to the surrounding culture. So, the same person can feel gentle in one environment and forceful in another.
Psychologist Michele Gelfand proposed that some cultures are loose, while others are tight.
Loose cultures are characterized by greater flexibility, fewer rigid expectations, and a higher tolerance for individuality. The United States and Brazil exemplify loose cultures.
Tight cultures, on the other hand, have clear rules, strong norms, and a low tolerance for behaviors that stray from expectations. Examples include Japan and Singapore.
In tight cultures, behavior is guided by what is considered appropriate. There is an unspoken agreement about how to act, speak, and interact. Deviate from those boundaries, and you’ll quickly face the consequences.
In loose cultures, the boundaries are broader, allowing more room for experimentation, expression, and individuality without immediate correction.
Let’s see how this unfolds with the four DISC styles that I refer to as Eagles, Parrots, Doves, and Owls.
Take the naturally expressive and engaging Parrot. They bring energy, conversation, and visible enthusiasm into a room. In a loose culture like Brazil, this energy is welcomed, encouraged, and even expected. The Parrot can be more of who they already are—louder, more animated, and more socially present.
However, put the same Parrot in a confined environment, and they might feel restricted. Their expression becomes more subdued, enthusiasm gets dialed down, and volume drops.
Now, consider the Eagle. Eagles are direct, decisive, and eager to lead. In a loose culture, this behavior is often seen as leadership. Speaking up and challenging ideas is normal, enabling the Eagle to move quickly and gain momentum.
In a tight culture like Japan, especially one with a strong hierarchy, the same behavior can seem disruptive. To fit in, the Eagle must learn to read the room more carefully, recognizing that authority and order are more important than speed and dominance.
Doves experience these cultural dynamics differently. Doves prioritize harmony and relationships. In tight cultures, these tendencies are often strengthened, as respect, consideration, and social awareness are built into the norms. Therefore, Doves feel naturally comfortable in these environments.
In loose cultures, where expression is more varied and open, Doves might feel uncomfortable. They may need to adapt to a more direct communication style and be ready to confront conflict or disagreement directly.
Owls value accuracy, structure, and careful decision-making. In tight cultures, where rules and expectations are clear, Owls tend to excel because there is a shared appreciation for precision and correctness.
In loose cultures, where flexibility is greater and norms are less strict, Owls may feel uncomfortable. The lack of structure can seem inefficient or unclear, leading them to use more effort to create order when it’s missing.
The same person can look very different depending on where they are. A Parrot in Brazil and a Parrot in Japan aren’t different styles, but their behaviors can be so different that it might seem like they are.
If you want to understand people, stop judging how they act and start by noticing where they are.
About Merrick Rosenberg
Merrick Rosenberg is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality framework and author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You. As an award-winning speaker and founder of Take Flight Learning, Merrick has helped hundreds of thousands of people unlock the power of personality styles to transform their communication, leadership, and relationships. He’s on a mission to make self-awareness accessible, fun, and unforgettable.
