Individualism

Individualism
See also
Internet Homo economicus Social structure Community foundation Cultural values Power distance National culture Uncertainty avoidance Socialism

Individualism is a national culture attribute describing the degree to which people prefer to act as individuals rather than as members of groups.

Individualistic countries like the USA tend to be low-power-distance countries and collectivist countries like Malaysia (26) tend to be high-power-distance countries. Also, it is easy to notice regional differences. Western an Northern nations such as Canada or the Netherlands tend to be more individualistic while poorer countries like Mexico tend to be higher on power distance.

Hofstede's culture dimensions have been influential on OB (organizational behavior) researchers and managers. Nevertheless, his research has been criticized. First, although the data have since been updated, the original data are from 30 years ago and were based on a single company (IBM). Second, few researchers have read the details of his methodology closely and therefore are unaware of the many decisions he had to make (for example, reducing cultural values to just five). Despite these concerns, Hofstede has been one of the most widely cited social scientists ever.

Individualist and collectivist countries

Countries known for individualistic culture include the United States, Canada, and many Western European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. These countries tend to value self-reliance, independence, and individual achievement. They also tend to have a low power distance, meaning that there is less of a hierarchical power structure and more equality in decision-making.

Countries known for collectivist culture include China, Japan, and many countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia such as Mexico, Brazil, India, Pakistan, and Malaysia. These countries tend to value the needs of the group over the needs of the individual and prioritize the well-being of the community. They also tend to have a high power distance, meaning that there is a large hierarchical power structure and less equality in decision-making. In collectivist cultures, people are expected to conform to the norms and values of their group and to show loyalty to their family and community.

See also:

• Uncertainty avoidance

References

• Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (1991). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind (Vol. 2). London: McGraw-Hill.
• S. Robbins, T. Judge Organizational Behavior

Author: Joanna Karp