Culture and influence in the workplace: Individualism vs Collectivism

"East vs West"

"Community vs the person"

"Collectivism vs Individualism"

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The notions attributed to collectivist and individualistic cultures are well-recognised and frequently pitted against one another. Culture is a singular factor that can have an influence on peoples work behaviour. Within this significantly vast field of study, a particular area that cross-cultural psychologists often study are the differences and similarities between individualistic cultures and collectivist cultures.

Individualistic cultures are those that prioritise the needs of the individual over the needs of the group. Here, individuals pride themselves on their autonomy and independence. As a result, social behaviour at large is dictated by the attitudes and preferences of individuals.

Collectivist cultures prioritise the needs and goals of the group over the needs and desires of an individual. Hence, in such cultures, an individual’s relationship with other members of the group and the interconnectedness between them plays a central role in each person’s identity.

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Geert Hofstede and the Cultural Dimensions Theory

In today’s increasingly global world and workplace, the cultural differences in leadership has become a prominent topic of discussion in society. Professor Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, an internationally recognised framework for cross cultural interactions based on six key dimensions was a comprehensive study on culture and its influence on values in the workplace. Individualism versus collectivism in business is one among the important dimensions in Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Index.

Hofstede defined culture as, “The collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or category of people from others.” The concept of culture, its causes and its effects, are subject to continuous research, theorisation, and discussion. The culture of an organization is informed by its perception, evaluation and reaction to the internal and external factors shaping it. Culture influences behaviour, and is therefore significant to the performance of an organization.

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What is individualism and collectivism culture?

When comparing the United States and China, there is a huge difference in Hofstede's individualism-collectivism dimension. On the individualism index, the United States has an index number of 91 out of the full score of 100, whereas China has a significantly lower index score at 20.

In Western collectivism vs Eastern collectivism, collectivism focuses on the group, while individualism focuses on the individual. As corporate ideologies, the two have immense influence over leadership and organizational management. Individualist leadership believes that an organization’s success depends on its ability to foster the unique, creative contributions of the individuals in the workplace. Collectivist leadership stresses on the interests of the company as a whole rather than individual interests.

However, in practice, leadership and organizational culture is neither one or the other, and representations of both are present in some aspects in every leader and organization.

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Collectivism

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Countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Indonesia lie among the most collectivistic cultures of the world. It means that these cultures, among many, highly favour a strongly defined social framework in which individuals are expected to conform to the ideals of the society and the in-groups to which they belong.

In the workplace, collectivist cultures focus on the good of the team and the company over those of the individual. In such a setting, everyone’s looking out for each other’s best interest. The values of acceptance, belonging and being a team player are deemed advantageous when working in a collectivist culture.

In a collectivist workplace culture, decisions are made through collaboration and group consensus. They focus on the importance of team or organisation goals and needs. The downside  to collectivist company cultures is that they are more likely to exist in a homogenous environment. Employees are strongly encouraged to adopt the values, views, and motivations of the group, and are consequently discouraged form expressing their own individual values, beliefs, and motivations.

However, working together to achieve a goal is a fundamental aspect of human nature. In has indeed brought the human human civilization to our current era of progress. From corporations to democracies, to community groups, cooperation has worked for the betterment of everybody involved.

Collectivism in business doesn’t necessarily have to be a utopia, and neither does it have to look like a restrictive and paranoid culture where individualism isn’t allowed to thrive. The workplace, as we know it, is filled with nuances.

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Individualism

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In an individualistic workplace culture, focus is drawn towards the individual employee and their specific needs. Individualism in business grew to be a central part of the American culture by the 19th century, and continues to flourish in all aspects of American society, including work. When we define individualism in business, workplaces tend to be highly competitive, because it encourages employees to believe that performing their best will enable them to reach their professional goals, which will make them efficient and effective.

Employees working in an individualistic work culture tend to be highly productive and self-motivated. They are encouraged to be expressive and unique. Work done out of one’s own self-interest is expected and encouraged because leaders believe that autonomy and personal incentives are what individuals need to be happy and driven in the organization.

However, increased focus on the individual may bring positive attention to one, but alienate the rest. Collaboration might be viewed as worthless or an inconvenience. Employees in such a organisation may feel immense competition, which can consequently induce insecurities, stress, and anxiety. Working under high levels of stress will also leave employees feeling burned out.

The solution to a healthy individualist work cultures is to understand how to positively integrate it into the workplace. Leadership can offer trainings to show employees how harmony and collaboration in the workplace can help everyone reach their individual goals. Employees can compete in a healthy environment and still maintain the well-being of the team and the organization.

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The influence of two

Although collectivism vs individualism are often observed, the reality is that communities, societies, nations and organizations cannot be defined as purely collectivistic and individualistic. Organizational cultures don’t fit into neat square boxes. They evolve, change shape and form, are nuanced, and exist between blurred lines.

Also read : How to tell if the company culture is right for you

How is collectivism vs individualism measured?‍

The Culture Orientation Scale is one technique to assess collectivism vs individualism. This is a 16-point scale that assesses whether people regard themselves as members of a group or as fully autonomous beings. It also assesses whether they believe each member of the group is equal or if inequality exists.

Individualism or Collectivism? Which works well for your workplace.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Although individualism increases self-assurance, encourages personal excellence and fosters creativity, it can also result in resistance to change, a lack of teamwork, and an increase in confrontations.
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People that are unwilling to adhere to or follow set standards and processes may also have an impact on a team's success.
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These problems can still exist even though they might not be the main ones in a collectivist organization. Employees may feel less engaged or driven to succeed when individual efforts are (for the most part) disregarded. Because of the goal to serve the group, this attitude may stifle innovation and creativity.

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Common factors affecting Individualism and Collectivism in the workplace.

1. Encourages Innovation: Individualistic organizations are more likely to foster innovation and creativity as employees are encouraged to think outside the box and bring new ideas to the table. But in a collectivist culture they can provide collaboration which can lead to a more supportive and cohesive work environment. 
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2. Personal Responsibility: In an individualistic organization the employees are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their work, which can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction and motivation. Collectivist organizations whereas help in creating a sense of community and belonging among employees. This approach can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction and employee engagement.
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3. Employee burnout: With more stress of achieving personal goals and objectives without any help or support in an individualistic organizations can create a culture of overwork and burnout whereas in a collectivist organizations they help reduce burnout as working helps lessen the work and focuses on promoting work-life balance as well as emphasizes on the importance of self-care
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4. Competitive Advantage: Individualistic organizations tend to be more competitive, which can be beneficial in industries where competition is high. Whereas in a collectivism workplace, Employees are encouraged to be innovative and take risks, which can give the organization a competitive advantage.

What are the examples of Individualism vs collectivism?

In the workplace where Individualism vs Collectivism are of main focus. The examples of Individualistic societies and workplaces are to emphasize personal achievement and success, personal rights and freedoms, individual initiative and entrepreneurship, and competition over cooperation. In contrast, since in a collectivistic workplace employees' work may be dependent upon one another, i.e. they focus on emphasizing group harmony and cooperation, social responsibility and duty, group consensus and decision-making to complete a particular goal.

To bring a conclusion to the collectivism vs individualism debate, the two can be balanced in your business to achieve the best of both worlds. For example, adopt collectivism's concept of teamwork while still promoting individual innovation in each group member. Essentially, take into account a caring culture to better understand your employees' beliefs and priorities (individual creativity and invention or the wellness and success of the group...) and working preferences (individually or in team settings).

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