1.3.4 - Individualist or Collectivist
| Individualist or Collectivist |
The way you responded to the Sharing the Rewards exercise tells you something about how you feel regarding individual achievement and reward. Most Americans choose to divide the available pool in a disproportionate way; they do not generally divide the money equally. This tendency to stress either individuality or a more collective response is one of the most widely distributed traits around the world. Not every culture is at one end or the other of the spectrum, but the majority tend to favor one over the other in everyday life. Knowing about the basis of this Collectivism versus Individualism construct will help you to recognize, understand, and anticipate attitudes in different types of cultures.
Individualist—
The individual identifies primarily with self, with the needs
of the individual being satisfied before those of the group. Looking after
and taking care of oneself, being self-sufficient, guarantees the well-being
of the group. Independence and self-reliance are greatly stressed and valued.
In general, people tend to distance themselves psychologically and emotionally
from each other. One may choose to join groups, but group membership
is not essential to one’s identity or success. Individualist characteristics
are often associated with men and people in urban settings.
Collectivist—
One’s identity is, in large part, a function of one’s membership and role in
a group, e.g., the family or work team. The survival and success of the group
ensures the well-being of the individual, so that by considering the needs
and feelings of others, one protects oneself. Harmony and the interdependence
of group members are stressed and valued. Group members are relatively close
psychologically and emotionally, but distant toward nongroup members. Collectivist
characteristics are often associated with women and people in rural settings.
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| Concept of Self Exercise |
| Look at the list of characteristics and behaviors given below. If you decide the statement is more likely to apply to people living in an individualist culture, write "I" in the underlined blank space; if you think it is characteristic of a collectivist culture, write "C." |
Characteristics
and Behaviors
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1.
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People answer the phone by giving the name of the organization. |
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2.
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People give cocktail parties. |
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3.
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Inter-group rivalry is strong. |
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4.
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Employee-of-the-year awards are offered. |
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5.
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People adhere to tradition. |
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6.
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People are promoted based on production and results. |
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7.
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Contracts in business are used frequently. |
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8.
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There is a need for autonomy. |
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9.
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People change jobs frequently. |
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10.
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People believe that conflict clears the air. |
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11.
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There is a need for affiliation. |
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12.
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Short-term relationships are common. |
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13.
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It’s okay to stand out. |
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14.
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Face-saving is important. |
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15.
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It’s common for mothers to ask their preschoolers what they
want to wear each day. |
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16.
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Self-help books are popular. |
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17.
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Decisions are made by consensus. |
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18.
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The language has one word for mother’s brother, another for
father’s brother. |
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19.
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Marriages are arranged. |
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20.
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People have potluck dinners. |