individualism and collectivism

Individualism and Collectivism

Individualism

Measures the extent to which people view themselves as individuals or as members of a group.

Measures the importance people give to their individual interests, relative to the interests of the group to which they belong.

In an individualistic society

The interests of the individual are more important than the interests of the group

Define themselves through individual characteristics, rather than by group characteristics.

Adult members of society are expected to be independent and are not encouraged to rely on others.

In a collectivist society

The interests of the group are considered more important than the interests of the individual.

The group, and their position in the group are an important part of their identity.

Group loyalty is strong Protection, advice and support is

received from the group

Individualists in the workplace

Employees are expected to be experts in their fields

The roles are clearly defined, boundaries are rarely crossed

Work cannot begin until “Who is responsible for what” has been decided

Collectivists in the workplace

Tasks are the responsibility of the whole team

Members support each other and are committed to the group.

The question that must be answered is: “Who is on the team, and who is not?”

Mixed teams in the workplace

Individualists and collectivists can often face many differences when working together Example:

Information sharing - Too high, or too low?

Involvement – Too much or too little?

Mixed teams

Is it possible for individualistic and collectivist teams to work together?

How can their cultural differences be resolved?

Types of Communication Styles

Indirect Communication Found in high context, collectivist

cultures

Direct Communication Found in low context, individualist

cultures

Indirect Communication

People bring a lot of innate and unconscious understanding to the communication. More non-verbal communication Less reliance on literal meanings and

spoken words The overall goal of communication

is to maintain harmony and save face.

Direct Communication

People rely on words and literal meanings to be understood.

People say what they mean, or risk being misunderstood.

Overall goal of communication is to get or give information

Characteristics and Behaviours

1. Communication is like that between twins 2. People are reluctant to say no 3. You have to read between the lines4. Use of intermediaries or third parties is frequent5. Use of understatement is frequent6. It’s best to tell it like it is7. It’s okay to disagree with your boss at a

meeting.8. “Yes” means yes.9. “Yes” means ‘I heard what you said.’10. Communication is like that between casual

acquaintances

Characteristics and Behaviours (2)

11. It’s not necessary to read between the lines12. People engage in small talk and catching up before

getting down to business13. Business first, then small talk14. Lukewarm tea means that all is not well15. Lukewarm tea means the tea got cold.16. People need to be brought up to date at a meeting17. People are already up to date18. The rank/status of the message is as important as the

message19. The message is what counts, not who delivers it20. People tell you what they think you want to hear.

Concept of Time

Monochronic The needs of the people must adjust to

the demands of time A limited amount is available People finish one thing at a time

Polychronic Time is the servant of the people People are never too busy

Characteristics & Behaviours

1. Time is money2. To be late is rude3. Schedules are sacred4. The focus is on the task, getting the job done5. Being made to wait is normal6. Interruptions are life7. Plans are fixed, once agreed upon8. This attitude is consistent with individualists9. The focus is on the person, establishing a relationship10. This attitude is consistent with collectivists11. Deadlines are an approximation12. To be late is just to be late13. Focus on the internal clock14. Plans are always changing15. Having to wait is an insult16. People are never too busy17. Interruptions are bad.

Power Distance

Is the society’s attitude toward inequality. How do different cultures deal with people’s different levels of status and their access to power. High Power Distance Low Power Distance

High Power Distance

People accept that some people have more power than others

People with power emphasize it Not delegate Distinguish themselves over others

People in power take responsibility Look after those beneath them Subordinates are not expected to take

initiative Close supervision of subordinates

Power Distance

Low Power Distance See power as unnatural, artificial, but

convenient Those with power de-emphasize it Subordinates are rewarded for taking

initiative Loose supervision


1. People are less likely to criticize the boss2. Elitism is the norm3. Students question teachers4. Freedom of thought is encouraged5. Those in power have special privileges6. The chain of command is mainly for convenience7. There are greater wage differences between managers and subordinates8. Workers prefer precise instructions from superiors9. Interaction between boss and subordinate is more informal10. Subordinates and bosses are interdependent11. Bosses are independent; subordinates are dependent12. Freedom of thought could get you in trouble13. It’s okay to question the boss14. Less social mobility is the norm15. The pecking order is clearly established16. The chain of command is sacred17. Management style is authoritarian and paternalistic18. Management style is consultative and democratic19. Interaction between boss and subordinate is formal

Uncertainty Avoidance

All groups feel anxiety about uncertainty and control it with

Technology to control uncertainty within the natural world

Laws, regulations and procedures to control human behaviour

Religion to help in understanding

High Uncertainty Avoidance

People feel especially anxious about the uncertainty and try to limit and control it as much as possible. More laws, regulations, policies and

procedures and a greater emphasis on obeying them

Conformity = predictability Structure and systems are comforting

Low Uncertainty Avoidance

People are not so threatened or anxious about uncertainty so they don’t feel a need to control it as much Fewer legislations Greater tolerance of differences Too much structure makes them feel

boxed in Curious about the unknown,

comfortable leaving things to chance


12. Punctuality is highly valued13. People should keep emotions under control14. Different is dangerous15. People change jobs more frequently16. People expect more formality in interactions17. People more readily accept protest and disagreement18. Take things one day at a time19. People should let their emotions out20. The chain of command should never be bypassed21. Conflict in organizations is natural, nothing to be

afraid of22. People believe in common sense


1. Conflict in organizations should be eliminated2. Differences are curious3. People change jobs infrequently4. A general sense of anxiety prevails5. A general sense of well-being prevails6. People accept authority more readily; authority

is comforting7. People accept authority less readily; authority is

limiting8. Rules should not be broken9. Rules can be broken if it makes sense10. Risks should be avoided11. Risks are opportunities

The Source of Status

Achieved (doing) People are respected because of what

they have accomplished Get ahead by what they have earned. Hired based on record of success. Education is important, but for what

you do with it. Status is not automatic and can be

taken away.

The Source of Status

Ascribed Status is built into the person;

automatic and difficult to lose. Family and social class makes you what

you are. The school attended is important, not

the education received You can never lose status, but you can

lose respect.

How it all fits together

Individualism Direct

Communication Monochronic sense of

time Low Power Distance Low Uncertainty

Avoidance Achieved Status

Collectivism Indirect

Communication Polychronic sense of

time High Power Distance High Uncertainty

Avoidance Ascribed Status

individualism and collectivism

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