The document discusses the cultural differences between individualistic and collectivistic societies, focusing on how these orientations affect communication and social behavior. Individualistic cultures, like the US and Germany, prioritize personal achievement and independence, whereas collectivistic cultures, such as China, emphasize group harmony and relationships. The text highlights the implications of these cultural dimensions on decision-making and interpersonal interactions.

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2. How is communication across a cultural
divide affected by cultural differences?

3. More specifically, how is communication
affected by a culture’s collective or
individual orientation?

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Characteristics of Individualistic cultures

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Value independence and self-
sufficiency with self-interest placement
rather than collective interest. In such
societies, confrontation is an
acceptable attribute.

13. They hold unique beliefs and decisions are
made based on individual needs.

14. Characteristics of Collectivistic
Cultures

15. For maintenance of social harmony
among in-group members, the
behavior must subscribe to the social
norms established.

16. More giving up of personal interest and
sharing of resources to facilitate the
collective interest.

17. Before making any major decision must
consider the implications to the wider
collective.

18. Favoritism especially to in-groups
including family and friends.

19. Be a part of few influential in-groups
and inclining towards conformity

20. Increased concern when it comes to in-
group members but show indifference
or hostility towards out-group
members

21. Much emphasis on hierarchy and
harmony within the group

22. There are group norms which help in
the regulation of behavior.

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