Intercultural Proficiency 2 Summary

IP 2 summary


Week 1. - Individualism & collectivism

Individualistic culture:

-The interests of the individual prevails over the interests of the group
-Relationships are loose and people mainly look after themselves and their immediate
families
 Dynamic on the work floor:
o People -> their first duty is to themselves, not to others
o Employer-employee relationship is based on the work contract
o CV is your ticket in
o Your results are your way to the top


Collectivistic culture:

- The interests of the group prevail over the interests of the individual
- People are integrated into groups that continue throughout a lifetime, the group is an
‘extended family’
- Condition: unquestioning loyalty

 F.e. applying for a job:
o A company will more likely prefer to hire someone with inside relationship
o Less risky, you know what to expect (loyalty)
 Dynamic on the work floor:
o Long working days
o Much ‘disturbance’ through chitchat & requests for help
o Plan your time generously
 Managing people:
o Boss tends to manage collectively -> reward collectively
o Personal trust is essential before any business gets done


Individualist or collectivist?

- Wealth
o The richer a nation, the more individualistic its people behave.
o The poorer a nation, the more collective its people behave
- Geography
o Countries with more moderate and cold climates tend to show more
individualism
- Birth rates
o Countries with higher birth rates tend to have collectivist cultures

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