Intercultural proficiency ll notes
Week 1 – Knowing your place : Dimensions of culture
Individualistic culture
The interest for the individual prevails over the interest of the group
Relationships are loose and people mainly look after themselves and their
immediate families
In individualistic cultures it is more about what you can to than your
relationships.
Collectivistic culture
- The interest of the group prevails over the interest of the individual
- People are integrated into strong groups that continue throughout life
the group is a extended family
- Condition: unquestioning loyalty
People in a collectivistic culture want to know more about your relationships with
others, so they know how you deal with relationships and how you value them.
Geerthofstede.com
Dynamics on the work floor in collectivistic cultures;
- People look after each other (extended family)
- Long work days
- Doing everything to make the company thrive
- Much “disturbance” through chitchat and requests for help
- Participate in this because this could end the relationship and even could
result into losing your job
- Plan your time generously
Dynamics on the work floor in individualistic culture;
- People their first duty is to themselves, not to others
- Employers – employee relationships is based on the work contract
- CV is your ticket in
- Your results are your way to the top
Managing people in collectivist cultures;
- Boss tends to manage people collectively
- Reward people collectively
Collectivistic cultures personal trust is essential before any business gets
done.
Extra cultural features from the clip:
- Using a large delegation for meeting: gives upper hand in negotiations
- Entering a meeting by yourself is “frowned upon” what’s your status?
- Look at rankings in chapter 4 (WILL BE IN EXAM)
Page | 1
Week 1 – Knowing your place : Dimensions of culture
Individualistic culture
The interest for the individual prevails over the interest of the group
Relationships are loose and people mainly look after themselves and their
immediate families
In individualistic cultures it is more about what you can to than your
relationships.
Collectivistic culture
- The interest of the group prevails over the interest of the individual
- People are integrated into strong groups that continue throughout life
the group is a extended family
- Condition: unquestioning loyalty
People in a collectivistic culture want to know more about your relationships with
others, so they know how you deal with relationships and how you value them.
Geerthofstede.com
Dynamics on the work floor in collectivistic cultures;
- People look after each other (extended family)
- Long work days
- Doing everything to make the company thrive
- Much “disturbance” through chitchat and requests for help
- Participate in this because this could end the relationship and even could
result into losing your job
- Plan your time generously
Dynamics on the work floor in individualistic culture;
- People their first duty is to themselves, not to others
- Employers – employee relationships is based on the work contract
- CV is your ticket in
- Your results are your way to the top
Managing people in collectivist cultures;
- Boss tends to manage people collectively
- Reward people collectively
Collectivistic cultures personal trust is essential before any business gets
done.
Extra cultural features from the clip:
- Using a large delegation for meeting: gives upper hand in negotiations
- Entering a meeting by yourself is “frowned upon” what’s your status?
- Look at rankings in chapter 4 (WILL BE IN EXAM)
Page | 1
