Collectivism vs. Individualism in organizational culture

For managers, it is crucial to know different cultures that they could face inside the work spot. Two cultures that they will face are individualism and collectivism. The objective of this write-up is to explain the variations in individualism and collectivism and how they can work collectively.

Individualism

”Individualism indicates the social framework is loose, and personnel put loyalty to themselves and their families ahead of loyalty to their company and operate group” (Nelson, 2013, p.20). According to Komarraju, Dollinger, and Lovell, “individualist worth their freedom and autonomy and seek self-enhancement” (2008, p.21). Individualist like to have independence as opposed to undertaking items with others. This is essential in an organization because individualist will not often be pressured into going with the group and they are not afraid to place their suggestions out in the open. “Individualist also believe every person should look out for themselves rather than hunting out for every single other” (Komarraju, 2008, p.21). In an organization, this is extremely important so that not everyone is just going with the flow. There should be people that query the flow at times to steer clear of blunders.

Collectivism

“Collectivism means there is a tight knit social framework in which individual members rely strongly on other people and group decisions are valued and accepted (Nelson, 2013, p.20). According to Komarraju, Dollinger, and Lovell, “collectivist take a great interest in others and are prepared to share their material and non-material possessions with them. They are deeply concerned about how they may possibly seem to other individuals and try not to shed face or lead to other people to shed face” (207, p. 22). Collectivist determine as a group as opposed to as an person. This is also essential in an organization simply because collectivist are very good at functioning with other individuals and this is very good for organizations that demand group projects. Collectivist usually go with the flow of things and don’t have a tendency to query things.

Horizontal and Vertical Individualism

“Horizontal individualist like the freedom to express themselves and choose to be unique” (Komarraju, 2008, p. 22). This is important simply because they bring individual tips to the organization. “Vertical individualist like to compete with other individuals and strive to be the best” (Komarraju, 2008, p.22). Striving to be the very best is very good for an person in an organization however, wanting to compete with other individuals can bring up challenges within an organization.

Horizontal and Vertical Collectivism

“Horizontal collectivist have a tendency to determine with the in-group entirely and knowledge a sense of equality with other members” (Komarraju, 2008, p.22). These are the people that just go with the flow as an alternative of questioning the flow. “Vertical collectivist are prepared to sacrifice self-interest if required by the authority of the in-group (Komarraju, 2008, p. 22). There are also members that just go with the flow and will change themselves to turn into like the group rather than growing as an individual.

What I’ve learned

By way of chapters 1 and 2 and the journal write-up I’ve selected, I have learned that it is critical for individualist and collectivist to work with each other. It is critical for every single organization to have a mix of both for the organization to thrive. The individualists assist an organization by identifying challenges and presenting them to the group in order to remain ahead. The collectivist aids an organization by wanting to stick with the group. So, when an person presents a problem to collectivist get with each other and function on that issue as a group rather than by trying to get ahead.