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, and 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.