china collectivism vs western individualism
TRANSCRIPT
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China Collectivism vs Western Individualism
How big are the cultural differences between East
and West? Before you make the move, click
here to find out more!
More specifically, how is communication affected by a culture’s collective or
individual orientation?
One of the key cultural dimensions as identified by Geert Hofstede is individualism vs.
collectivism. This is referred to as the degree to which individuals in a certain country prefer
acting as individuals rather than as members of groups. This dimension focuses on the
relationship between the individual and the larger social groups.
Cultures vary on the level of emphasis they provide on encouraging uniqueness/
individuality and on interdependence and conformity. Individualistic societies tend to focus more on themselves and the immediate families while collective societies put more emphasis on integration into strong cohesive in-groups which they protect and provide unquestionable loyalty.
Countries like Germany and the US are considered individualistic since they focus more on personal achievements and individual rights. In as much as
group work is important in such societies, everybody has his/ her opinion. The ‘American
Dream’ is a perfect representation for this since it focuses on the people’s hope for a better quality
life with living standards higher than their parents.
It encourages people to pull up their socks and get out of poverty. On the other hand, China
as a collectivistic society encourages more group work and puts more emphasis on strong
relationships between individuals hence the basis of guanxi. To them, the needs of a group
are way more important than individual needs.
Fosters contractual relationships that revolve around the basics of exchange. In such cultures, calculation of the profit or
loss of engaging in a particular behavior is calculated before going for it.
Concentrates more on self and the very dear or near ones as well as
concern with behavioral relationships as well as own
interests, needs and own goals.
More emphasis on personal pleasure, over duties, fun, enjoyment and social norms. They are part of in-groups, but they hardly have any influence on their
lives.
Value independence and self-sufficiency with self-interest placement rather than collective interest. In such
societies, confrontation is an acceptable attribute.
For maintenance of social harmony among in-group members, the
behavior must subscribe to the social norms established.
Increased concern when it comes to in-group members but show indifference
or hostility towards out-group members
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