Hofstede's Culture Perspectives
Section outline
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Individualism
'Individualism is the one side versus its opposite, collectivism, that is the degree to which individuals are integrated into groups. On the individualist side we find societies in which the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family'.
'On the collectivist side, we find societies in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families (with uncles, aunts and grandparents) which continue protecting them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty'.
Download the document from the link below there are some interesting charts.
The document on the criticisms of Hofstede's work is also on the site to download and I agree with the comments in that the research methods were possibly flawed but if the document is viewed from the context of trends and tendencies and generalities the research can still be a powerful document to give a person a comprehensive guide to working in a multicultural environment and a greater understanding of their colleagues. Certainly teaching in Thailand the research has been invaluable and an excellent guide to understanding Thai colleagues.
http://brettwilkin.com/index.php/teachersupport/culturalawareness