CULTURE AND INFLUENCE IN THE WORK PLACE

 CULTURE AND INFLUENCE IN THE WORK PLACE

The notions attributed to collectivist and individualistic cultures are well-recognized and customorily pitted against one another. Culture is a singular factor that can have an influence on peoples work behavior. 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 Culture

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

Collectivist Culture

Collectivist cultures prioritize 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 interdependence between them plays a central role in each person’s identity.

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.

Common factors effecting individualism and collectivism in the work place

1) Personal liability: In an liberated organization the employees are encouraged to take personal liability 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.

2) Competitive Advantage: Liberated 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.

3) Encourages Creativity: Liberated 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 compatible work environment.

4) Employee disablement: With more stress of achieving personal goals and objectives without any help or support in an liberated organizations can create a culture of overwork and disablement whereas in a collectivist organizations they help reduce disablement as working helps lessen the work and focuses on promoting work-life balance as well as highlight on the importance of self-care.

Individualism or Collectivism? Which work well for your organization

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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Reference

Monteiro, S. (2022). Culture and influence in the workplace: Collectivism vs Individualism. [online] peoplehum. Available at: https://www.peoplehum.com/blog/culture-and-influence-in-the-workplace-collectivism-individualism.

Cherry, K. (2022). Understanding Collectivist Cultures. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-collectivistic-cultures-2794962#:~:text=Collectivism%20stresses%20the%20importance%20of.

Wen S. Xiao (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.600826/full)

Abraham R (1997) The relationship of vertical and horizontal individualism and collectivism to intrapreneurship and organizational commitment. Leadership & Organization Development Journal 18(4): 179–86.