Page 101 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

84 Chapter 4

TABLE 4.2 Dimensions of culture and associated characteristics

Collectivism/Individualism Collectivism Individualism
Group is standard of reference; Individual is standard of reference;
group is valued over individual. individual is valued over group.
Value harmony and conformity. Value dissent and diversity.
Value slow consensus building. Value debate and disagreement.
Power Distance High Power Distance Low Power Distance
Status differences maximized. Status differences minimized.
Status hierarchy based on birth/ Status hierarchy based on birth/
position in society is normal; position in society unfair;
people are not created equal. people are created equal.
Prefer authoritarian, directive Prefer democratic, participative
leadership. leadership.
Uncertainty Avoidance High Uncertainty Avoidance Low Uncertainty Avoidance
Uncomfortable with ambiguity. High tolerance for ambiguity.
Prefer clear rules and norms, high Comfortable with loose, flexible
structure. rules.
Prefer structured leadership. Prefer democratic leadership.
Masculinity/Femininity Masculinity Femininity
Value assertive behaviors. Value caring, nurturing behaviors.
Value achievement. Value relationships with others.
Emphasize objectivity, control. Emphasize subjectivity.
Prefer autocratic leadership. Prefer participative leadership.
High/Low Context High Context Low Context
Message carried by the context, Meaning carried by the words,
nonverbal content. verbal content.
Culturally homogeneous; much Culturally diverse; meaning cannot
meaning can be safely assumed. be taken for granted. Prefer
Prefer indirect communication. clear, direct communication.

Differences between collectivist and individualistic cultures can lead to
communication challenges. For example, members of individualistic cultures, who
see themselves as relatively more independent than interdependent, value verbal
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clarity more than members of collectivist cultures. They also approve of behavior
that would be seen as inappropriate by members of collectivist cultures. For
example, some airline passengers use so- called knee defenders, devices that won’t
allow the passenger in the seat in front of them to recline. That individualistic
behavior suggests that “my comfort is more important than helping others be
comfortable.”

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