Individualist Cultures

An individualistic culture is a culture in which the members' primary focus is that of themselves and their immediate families.

In individualistic societies, the goals of individuals are valued more highly than the goals of the group. Individuals are rewarded for behaving independently, making their own plans, and working toward achieving their personal goals. In these societies, individuals are hired and promoted largely based on individual achievement and qualifications. Individualist countries tend to be rich. Countries high on individualism (top 10) include: USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and France.

The Characteristics of Individualistic Culture:

Ø  The pivotal unit is the individual

The goal in the most individualist cultures is to develop responsible citizens capable of assuming accountability for personal problems and issues.

·         Life Decisions: Professional and carrier choices, selection of marriage partners. And decisions about cindering practices are normally made by the individual with independence as the life goal.

·         Individual identity: Individualist culture value individual over group identity. Therefore individual rights and needs take precedence over group rights and needs.

·         Breakable contracts: many people in individualist cultures view all relationship as contracts that can be broken whenever one party chooses: even family relationship or intimate friendship may be severed if they threaten personal goals.

Ø  Space and privacy are important

Because individualist cultures value personal freedom, most of them have a greater physical space and privacy requirement than that seen in collective cultures. For example Americans value privacy so greatly that they have made it law: the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure.

This regiment for privacy can be seen in both business and personal environments:

·         In the home: individual bedroom are considered essential and privacy is viewed as critical to peaceful family life.

·         In the office: private offices counter status. Closed doors signal a desire for privacy: entering without knocking is unacceptable.

·         In crowds: crowding is perceived as invasive. And when it is unavoidable-in subways or elevators-strict rules (maintaining a rigid body. Avoiding eye contact. Facing the exit door) govern personal behavior.

Ø  Communication tends to be direct, explicit and personal.

One of the most powerful ways in which human being express their individuality is through communication. How you express your thoughts, ideas, opinions, and feelings is what makes you unique.

·         Direct explicit messages: because individualist cultures value what is unique or unusual about people. They expect communication to reflect the speaker or writer and appreciate clear, direct, and explicit communication that can be decoded easily.

·         Linear logic: most individualist cultures have western European roots: western logic emphasizes a linear. Cause-and-effect through pattern.

·         Personal accountability: messages are expected to capture personal opinion and express personal accountability. Thus although individuals may “sell” themselves and assert their accomplishments in resumes and interviews, they will also assume responsibility for mistakes.

Ø  Business Is transactional and competitive

Results are paramount. It is the deal that counts and business is commonly transacted by scrutinizing facts (due diligence credit reports, quarterly earnings) and technical competence (past experience, educational credentials)

·         Measurable results: the focus of businesses on results and success is measured by quantifying profit productivity, customer base, or market share.

·         Competitiveness: the belief is that competition ensures results. Transactions can be cancelled and contracts can be broken if result don’t meet expectations.

·         Separation or relationship and business contracts: business people from individualist cultures tend to separate their professional and personal live. Te business deal from the relationship. The goal is the contract, the transaction or the sale the relationship is often avoided; they are seen as muddying the waters, as interfering with objectivity.

 See also: Collectivist Cultures