Concept of the method

3. Geert Hofstede 5 Dimensions of Culture

3.2. Individualism versus collectivism

Individualism is characterized by frequent use of “I”, decisions are made on the spot by representatives, who ideally achieve things alone and assume personal responsibility. People that belong to this category prefer to be left alone to take care about themselves and their families

Collectivism is frequently characterized by “we”, decisions are usually delegated by the people to the organization, so ideally objectives are achieved in groups and thus people assume joint responsibility. They prefer a very tight society framework in which individuals can expect their relatives or members of a specific in-group to take care of them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty.

Collectivism

Venezuela, Indonesia

Pakistan, Thailand

West Africa, Chile

Hong Kong, Mexico

Arab Countries, Brazil, Argentina

Japan, India

Spain, South Africa

Switzerland, Germany

Scandinavia, France, Italy, Ireland

New Zealand, Netherlands Canada

 UK, Australia, US,

 Individualism

A person from a collectivistic culture can misperceive the culture behaviour of an individualist as extremely insensitive, insulting and rude. On the other hand, individualistic culture can misperceive the culture-behaviour of collectivists as being irresponsible.