Page 138 - Cultures and Organizations

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TABLE 4.3 Key Differences Between Collectivist and
Individualist Societies
II: Language, Personality, and Behavior

COLLECTIVIST INDIVIDUALIST

Use of the word “I” is avoided. Use of the word “I” is encouraged.
Interdependent self Independent self
On personality tests, people score On personality tests, people score
more introvert. more extravert.
Showing sadness is encouraged, and Showing happiness is encouraged,
happiness discouraged. and sadness discouraged.
Slower walking speed Faster walking speed
Consumption patterns show Consumption patterns show self-
dependence on others. supporting lifestyles.
Social network is primary source of Media is primary source of
information. information.
A smaller share of both private and A larger share of both private and
public income is spent on health care. public income is spent on health care.
People with disabilities are a shame People with disabilities should
on the family and should be kept out participate as much as possible in
of sight. normal life.

Individualism and Collectivism at School

The relationship between the individual and the group that has been estab-
lished in a child’s consciousness during his or her early years in the fam-

ily is further developed and reinforced at school. This is clearly visible
in classroom behavior. In the context of development assistance, it often
happens that teachers from a more individualist culture move to a more
collectivist environment. A typical complaint from such teachers is that
students do not speak up, not even when the teacher puts a question to the
class. For the student who conceives of him- or herself as part of a group,
it is illogical to speak up without being sanctioned by the group to do so.
If the teacher wants students to speak up, the teacher should address a
particular student personally.