Cultural Differences between Collectivism and Individualism

Collectivists (i.e., people from Asian cultures)

Values

• Harmony

• Face Saving

• Filial Piety

•  Moderation, Thrift and Equality

Attitudes

• Strong extended family ties

• Belief in vertical relationship(father-son)

• Acceptance of deference in power

• Belief in intergroup competition

• Dislike interpersonal competition

• Prefer long-term relationships
   
  Activities and Behaviors
   

• Obligation to attend social events

• Strong mutual support

• Distrust of outgroups

• Need protection of ingroups

• Strong family attachment

• Strong need for affiliation and nurturance

• Social behavior tends to be long-term, intensive, involuntary, and occurs mostly within a few groups.

Individualist (i.e., people from North America or Western cultures)

Values

• Freedom

• Honesty

• Social Recognition

• Comfort

• Hedonism

• Equality

Attitudes

• Weak extended family ties

• Belief in horizontal relationship (friend-friend)

• Acceptance of horizontal relationship

• Competition is acceptable at all levels

• Prefer short-term relationships

Activities and Behaviors

• Somewhat detached from ingroups

• Trust outsider to a greater extent

• More relaxed with outgroup members

• Strong work attachment

• Fewer consultations and a strong need for autonomy

• Social behavior tends to be short-term, voluntary, less intensive, and involves little commitment.