Independent or Dependent
Introduction
Some cultures rewards individuals for standing out, empowering them to make decisions on their own, while other cultures insist that individuals fit into the group, making sure that no one does anything without the consent and support of others. So we have cultures that are other-independent, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, cultures that are other-dependent.
Argentina
As is the case with most countries in the region-due, in part, to the heavy influence of Roman Catholicism-Argentinian behavior is often significantly "other-dependent."
Most individuals will seek, either formally or informally, the opinions and support of family, friends, and coworkers before venturing off to do or say something on their own, While individuals are responsible for their decisions, the group in all its forms (extended family, work relationships, community) plays a powerful role in the decisions that individuals make.
A consequence of this. of course, is a resistance to the outsider, and a need for all outsiders to become associated with members of the in-group as soon as possible. Causing someone to lose face. or experience embarrassment. public ridicule, or criticism of any kind is a great insult in this other-dependent culture; here, how one is thought of by others is an important concern in life. Dis[ite this strong need to look good in the eyes of others, the individual must bear responsibility for him- or herself in the world. This may present itself in behavior that appears to be individualistic : however, most of time, the motive for the behavior is group acceptance and respect.
America
The English value the individualist; that is, someone who develops his or her unique identity within the group, within the borders. Americans value individualism; that is, the idea that one should separate him- or herself from the group and strike out on one's own.
In the United States the culture is very ethnocentric, and so it is closed to most outside information. It is very analytical, and concepts are abstracted quickly. Innovation often takes precedence over tradition. The universal rule is preferred, and company policy is followed regardless of who is doing the negotiating.
Australia
Individualism is highly valued in Australia, and personal responsibility is a very important and positive personal characteristic. But for the Australians, like their English cousins, individualism does not mean independence from others, as it does often in the United States. The Australian cowboy, unlike his American counterpart, could not survive out in the barren wilds of the Australian outback without the support of others, his "mates"; this severe topography, coupled with the British tradition of finding one's way within society, not despite it, are the roots of this value.
Australians often find Americans too concerned about how they appear, or whether or not they are agreeable, or if they are fitting in okay, or what others think. precisely because the Australian views the American as someone who has had to form his or her identity independent of society and therefore doesn't ever really know who he or she is. Americans. on the other hand. often find Australians to be emotionally unconcerned, almost challenging. cynical, and disrespectful, precisely because, from the Australian point of view. they seem to know exactly who they are and where they fit in society, and don't need to prove anything to anyone.
China
While being essentially a group-oriented culture, China also has a powerful tradition of individual responsibility: the peasant farmer and shopkeeper were often alone in the world, having to eke out an existence without the support of the government.
There is a powerful sense of self-reliance among individuals, which is often in conflict with greater uncontrollable realities (and a belief in such), including an overarching communal ethic that today is represented in the state. (The state is, in a sense. as were the dynasties, the final and ultimate "group:' which is why group orientation in China has often been xenophobic: out-groups stay out, and members within the group are drawn in closer. The great Middle Kingdom of China. seeing Itself as the center _e world. is an example of this. Only recently has the leadership of China left the country to go out into the rest of the world; traditionally, if you wanted to do business with the Chinese, you went, as Marco Polo and millions of Westerners after him did, to China.) Dependency upon others often takes the form of communal goals being achieved by many individuals repeating the same task over and over again (think about how the Great Wall was built or how a communal rice field is harvested; there is a saying in Chinese: "Endurance can turn an iron bar into a needle"). This is one of the reasons for the reticence of th_ Chinese to deal with Western notions of individual rights. and for the West's difficulty understanding Chinese concepts of group rights (as in the duplication of proprietary material for dissemination and profit).
Colombia
As is the case with most countries in the region-due. in part, to the heavy influence of Roman Catholicism --Colombian behavior can be viewed as significantly "other-dependent." Most individuals will seek, either formally or informally, the opinions and support of family, friends, and coworkers before venturing off to do or say something on their own. While individuals are responsible for their decisions, the group in all its forms (extended family, coworkers, community) plays a powerful role in the decisions that individuals make, as it does in a]] Latin cultures, Roscas, or informal decision-making groups made up of powerful individuals in their field (be it at work, in the community, or as drug mafia-type bosses), play a powerful role in pressuring individuals to act in particular ways, appropriate to their role in any given situation. Individuals are simply not part of society unless they can claim membership to or affiliation with some group, neighborhood, town. or business organization_ consequence of this, of course, is a resistance to the outsider. and a need for' all outsiders to become associated with members of the in-group as soon as possible in order to be accepted.
Causing loss of face. embarrassment. public ridicule. or criticism of any kind is a great insult in this other-dependent culture; here. how one is thought of by others is one of the most important concerns in life, Despite this strong need to look good in the eyes of others. the individual must bear responsibility for him- or herself in the world, In Colombia. every individual is unique and has the right to advance his or her own ,way in the world. as long as it is done with consideration for others; the proof of the value of one's individual behavior is whether and the degree to which it positively affects the lives of others. Therefore. individual Colombian pride. based mainly on one's role. achievements. and \eve I in society. is strong. a representation of one's role in the larger society, and can easily be insulted.
Congo
There is a combination of deep concern for family, clan, and other membership groups (such as work and religion) that defines an individual and individual expression. Congolese, like all Africans, have a hierarchical sense of loyalties, beginning with their family, and then, in descending order of importance, their ethnic group. their religion, their home village, their country, their region, and their continent, and the current circumstances only serve to emphasize the distinctions between "in" and "out" groups. Congolese are deeply connected first to their clan and their families: for that reason, it is critical that one inquire about the health of all family members. How one performs his or her role vis-a-vis others is judged in Africa. and individuals do nothing_without careful consideration for how their actions will be perceived and for the impact their actions will have on their family and their community. Consequently, individual empowerment and decision making are rare, and consensus-building and confirming group agreement are critical. Sharing. concern for others. Humility, and an acceptance -- without anger. remorse. or hostility -- of one's role, at least within and for one's group. are all hallmarks of Central African and Congolese culture.
Egypt
There is a combination of deep concern for family, clan, and other membership groups (such as work and religion), that defines an individual and individual expression. Egyptians, like all Arabs, are deeply connected first to their clan and their families: (this is an intensely private life (and therefore, one needs to be very careful about inquiring about the family, among other things).
However, individual pride, and how one is seen by others, is perhaps the most important aspect of Arab culture that non-Arabs need to be sensitive to. It is not a heightened sense of individualism separate from others: in fact. it is the opposite. Because of one's intricate relationships with others (there is an old saying that an Arab has one thousand close relatives), one is always keenly aware of how one is being perceived and of one's obligations to others. It is very important that you always show great respect for your Egyptian colleague. Arab pride must be supported and respected.
England
The English value the individualist; that is, someone who develops his or her unique identity within the group, within the borders. Americans value individualism; that is, the idea that one should separate him- or herself from the group and strike out on one's own.
This allows for acceptance in Britain of the "eccentric," while in the United States the true hero is someone who achieves his or her own and in his or her own way, without the benefit of, and sometimes in defiance of, others and their rules. The U.S, tradition is, in part, the result of a successful revolution against the British "rule makers," while the British tradition is the result of a long history of Anglicanism, monarchism, and of many culturally diverse peoples having to live together on a very small island. What this means today is that there is a keen sense of how one's actions in Britain play out with others, and a distrust in standing apart. Britons can find American individualism too strong, "over the top," naive, and unrealistic. Americans, in turn, can find British reticence frustrating, unproductive, and too self-effacing for no apparent good.
France
The motto of the French Revolution. "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite," says a lot about how the French expect individuals to relate with each other in society. Unlike the British or Americans. the French believe that society (the group) serves the individual. Government exists to provide for the people, individuals benefit when society is organized correctly, and individual needs, in many ways, should be the responsibility of a well-ordered society.
The British and American perception is more of a world in which society benefits most when individuals are able to pursue their personal goals and are free from the constraints of the government; society for Americans and Britons does its job best by staying out of the individual's way, not when it attempts to provide what the individual can better provide for him- or herself. In France, it is the other way around, but within a context of individual freedom, so that the pendulum never swings so far in France that the individual's freedom or self-identity is threatened. Once that is perceived, the pendulum has gone too far. This is representative, in many ways, of the combination of the Catholic and Latin concept of depending on the group, which was the base upon which France was historic_ founded, and the influence of the Reformation from the north, wherein salvation was dependent upon an individual's private relationship with God. The result is individual behavior that can be intensely unique, but always fitting into the structures and forms provided from above.
Germany
While the French emphasize the search for a precise conceptual process, the German tradition focuses on the development of an effective method that, having been proven correct through tria], application, and repetition, should not be changed. The individual is subject to established rules and systems that must be respected and followed: when order is maintained, everything is normal; when rules are broken, chaos and anarchy can result. Individuals must, therefore, effectively play their role in the "well-oiled German machine" if the machine is to function well for all.
There is a strong drive toward the "compartmentalization" of life. reflected in the way time is manipulated, agendas are stuck to, doors are closed, roles are clearly defined, work and social life are clearly separated, and rules are followed.
India
There is a combination of deep concern for family, clan, and other membership groups that define an individual (such as work and religion), and individual expression. Individuals arc responsible for themselves, within their group, and are expected to use their resources to advance their own agendas. Yet, individual initiative, while important, must be justified as producing results that will benefit others. and must ultimately involve others if it is to succeed.
Indonesia
There is a strong need for all involved in or affected by an action or decision to be consulted. The group orientation is very strong; individuals typically will not do things, say things, or make decisions until they are sure that those who are affected by a program or proposal have already bought into it. Family, clan, and other membership groups that define an individual (such as work and religion) are primary considerations for an action. Individual initiative, while important, must be justified as producing results that will benefit others, and must ultimately involve others if 't is to succeed.
Italy
Italians are other-dependent, primarily, but with a significant sense of individual or personal responsibility, and a desire to look good in the eyes of others. This Italian variety of saving face is known as bella figura, meaning "beautiful face," a concept that requires one to always present oneself as "correct," formal, important-in a sense, beautiful.
Taken further, the idea also suggests that if one presents oneself this way, it adds to the correctness or beauty of society as a whole. Loyalty to family, friends, and close neighbors means that there is a concern for always conducting oneself correctly, to presenting bel/a figura. or the right figure, in all circumstances. One can and must, be clever enough to take care of oneself and one's own, but ultimately, it must always appear correct in the eyes of others. This concept is stronger the further south in Italy one goes. Ultimately, the group orientation in Sicily, for example, is the key ingredient of all interpersonal relationships; whom one knows is critical, and how one is seen determines how one will be treated.
Japan
There was a seminal experiment conducted in Japanese and American nursery schools: the teacher would provide the students with paper, paints, and paintbrushes, and instruct them to make a picture. In Japan the children would typically wait for more instruction and all the children at the table would start to work cooperatively at producing a painting. The same experiment in U.S. nursery schools produced a very different response: before the teacher was finished providing instructions, each child typically would take his or her own piece of paper and begin work on his, or her own painting. As they proceeded, the children would periodically look over at the progress being made by their colleagues at the table. Clearly, even at the tender age of four or five, very different fundamental value orientations about the best way for people to work together were already firmly in place. The Japanese continue today to be among the world's highest scorers on the "other-dependent" scale, while Americans continue to score very high on the "other-independent" scale.
This tendency on the part of Japanese individuals not to do something until they are confident that it meets with the approval of others does not mean that they do not promote their own ideas, but it docs mean that until one's way has won the approval and support of others, it will be very difficult to get things done. Individuals arc rarely recognized for their sole achievements or blamed for their personal failings; face is saved, and all arc rewarded.
Nigeria
There is a combination of deep concern for family, clan, and other membership groups (such as work and religion defines an individual and individual expression. Nigeria, like all Africans, have a hierarchical sense of loyalties, beginning with their family and then, in descending order of importance, their ethnic group, their religion, their home village, their country, their region, and their continent.
Nigerians are deeply connected first to their clan and their families: for that reason, it is critical that one inquire about the health of all family members. How one performs his or her role vis-a-vis others is judged in Africa, and individuals do nothing without careful consideration for how their actions will be perceived, and for the impact their actions will have on their family and their community. Consequently, individual empowerment and decision making are rare. and consensus-building and confirming group agreement are critical. Sharing, concern for others, humility, and an acceptance-without anger, remorse, or hostility-of one's role, at least within one's group, are all hallmarks of West African and Nigerian culture.
Philippines
There is a strong need for all involved in or affected by an action or decision to be consulted. The group orientation is very strong; individuals typically will not do things, say things, I make decisions until they are sure that those who are affected by a program or a proposal have already bought into it. However, like the conquistadores, self-pride is a powerful element: in the Philippines it is called “hiya”, or self-esteem, is related to face. When one's hiya is high, and one's individual actions benefit the group, one has “amor-propio”, a sense of oneself as an individual who do the right thing and looks good in other's eyes, and this gives one great self-esteem and individual pride. Never do anything to undermine the hiva of a Fipino or Filipina. The group of which one is a member (one's barkada), along with one's own hiya, determines in great part one's amor-propio.
Poland
Family and friends are everything: the in-group with which you are associated determines your field of vision and requires your loyalty, while out-groups tend to be avoided and are met, at first, with caution at best, and suspicion at worst. This means that non-Poles will be received warmly, especially if from the west (the Poles' curiosity will overcome their caution), but will need time to prove themselves in order to be treated as an insider. Poles will make every effort to host you well, in order that you, as a guest, will not experience the difficulties of daily life, and will often do this at their own sacrifice. Nevertheless, this concern for others, for membership in a greater family (your own, the neighborhood, the church, etc.), does not preclude taking personal responsibility for what happens in one's life. Within Poland today, there is a growing desire for individuals to assume greater control over their lives. The struggle for the Pole is in finding a way to gain greater individual responsibility in a world where decisions that control one's life are often still made by greater powers; this results in a rejection of personal responsibility when events are bad, and a drive for personal power (sometimes at the expense of others, rules, morality, etc.) when the opportunity appears.
Russia
Family and friends are everything: the in-group with which you are associated determines your field of vision and requires your loyalty, while out-groups tend to be avoided and are met, at first, with caution at best, and suspicion at worst. This means that you may or may not be received warmly. Once a decision has been made about you, however, there will be no doubt: you will be hosted lavishly (and at their own great sacrifice, in most cases) or rejected out of hand. Nevertheless, this concern for others, for membership in a greater family (your own, the neighborhood, the church, etc.), does not preclude individual responsibility for what happens in one's life. The struggle for the Russian is to find a way to gain greater individual responsibility in a world where decisions that control one's life are often still made by greater powers and where the expectation that anything different will happen is more often than not fulfilled; this results in a rejection of personal responsibility when events go bad, and a drive for personal power (sometimes at the expense of others, rules, morality, etc.) when an opportunity appears.
Saudi Arabia
There is a combination of deep concern for family, clan, and other membership groups (such as work and religion) that defines an individual and individual expression. Saudis, like all Arabs, are deeply connected first to their clan and their families: this is an intensely private life (and therefore, one needs to be very careful about inquiring about the family, among other things). However, individual pride, and how one is seen by others, is perhaps the most important aspect of Arab culture that non-Arabs need to be sensitive to. It is not a heightened sense of individualism separate from others; in fact, it is the opposite. Because of one's intricate relationships with others (there is an old saying that an Arab has one thousand close relatives), one is always keenly aware of how one is being perceived and of one's obligations to others. It is very important that you always show great respect for your Arab colleague. Arab pride must be supported and respected.
Slovenia
Within groups, there is strong loyalty; there is an intense need to define individuals in terms of being either inside or outside the group. As an outsider, your loyalty will be tested: do not make a point of doing business with the out-group. Clans, in fact, and the associated vendettas and anarchic rule that they exercise, have been the dominant way of civic life in much of Albania (especially in the rugged mountain north).
Sweden
This is an other-dependent culture, but without subordinating individuals and their decision-making abilities to the will of the overarching group. Individuals are encouraged to pursue activities that allow them to define themselves, to make their own decisions: however, the impact of such decisions and activities on others must always be considered. The best personal action is one that provides the most good for all, and does not harm or interfere with the social rights of others. This is another distinction between the group orientation of Sweden and other group-oriented cultures (like former Eastern European communist nations): in Sweden, individual will is honored and protected, yet the people willingly modify their personal decisions so that they are made with consideration for the needs of the greater group, There is a strong allegiance to Sweden as a nation, while, at the same time, personal privacy is ensured. Proximity does not presume friendship or business.