Hofstede Individualism Traits

Hofstede: Individualism / Collectivism

This dimension focuses on the relationship between the individual and larger social groups. As mentioned earlier, cultures vary on the amount of emphasis they give on encouraging individuality / uniqueness or on conformity and interdependence.

Review Hofstede’s country ranking for Individualism / Collectivism. (handout). Note patterns of countries which have high and low rankings.

Highly individualist cultures believe individual is most important unit

People taking care of themselves (including immediately family only)
Self-orientation
Identity based on individual
Guilt culture
Making decisions based on individual needs
“I” mentality
Emphasis on individual initiative and achievement
Everyone has a right to a private life

Highly collectivistic cultures believe group is most important unit.

Expect absolute loyalty to group (nuclear family, extended family, caste, organization)
Group orientation
Decisions based on what is best for the group.
Identity based on social system
Shame culture
Dependence on organization and institutions (Expects organization / institution / group to take care of individual)
“We” mentality
Emphasis on belonging
Private life “invaded” by institution and organizations to which one belongs

Traits of Individualism / Collectivism

	High Individualism	Low Individualism (collectivism)
national	more economic development developed / wealthy modern industry, urbanization	less economic development underdeveloped / poor more traditional agriculture
	greater social mobility / larger middle class	less social mobility / smaller middle class
	nuclear family	extended family / tribe

politics	political power by voter	political power by interest groups
	laws / rights same for all	law / rights depend on group

religion / ideas	monotheistic	polytheistic
	individual conversion	group conversions
	matter of fact about science / tech	science / tech seen as magic

work	family relationships a disadvantage in hiring	relatives preferred in hiring
	hiring and promotion based on skill / rules	hiring and promotion take in-group status into account
	more working hours	fewer working hours

school	teachers deal with individuals	teachers deal with groups
	students expected to speak up	students expected to listen
	learn how to learn	learn how to do

other	disability a handicap to overcome	disability a shame
	children take care of self as soon as possible	children maintain lifelong contacts with family
	security through insurance	security through social network