The docs for Maya says that the rotation tool can operate in different spaces:

http://download.autodesk.com/global/docs/maya2013/en_us/index.html?url=files/Basics_Tools_Rotate_Tool.htm,topicNumber=d30e63199

Currently I can rotate my model in local space, but I would like to rotate it in world space, and I cannot figure out how and where to change the rotation mode.

I tried googling but with little success. Can you help a poor guy out? Thanks!

EDIT: Nevermind, found that double clicking on the tool icon opens up the tool options menu.