Compare and Contrast Between Individual and Collective Cultures
In individual cultures, it stresses mainly on one’s self and one’s rights. Your rights always have to take a higher stand when making your own decisions. Self-reliance and independence are key in individual cultures. People who come from this culture believe in the ‘I’ identity. It all trickles down to what I believe in rather than what is good for society. Individualism emphasizes standing for yourself. In individualistic cultures, the level of a ‘Good person’ is determined by non-reliance, assertiveness, pragmatism, and authenticity. However, people from individualistic cultures tend towards being prone to loneliness. Examples of countries that have individualistic cultures are the United States of America and Western Europe. In these countries, their universities, for example, ensure that one’s likelihood to succeed in studies is the sole responsibility of an individual.
In contrast to individual cultures, collectivist cultures stress communal good or the good of the society rather than that of an individual. In collective cultures, there is a very high dependency rate. The high level of dependency, in turn, leads to low competition among individuals. Huge importance is placed on being open to other people’s opinions and other people’s ability to depend on you and vice versa. Examples of countries having collectivist cultures are China and Japan. In these countries, the contrary to individualistic countries, their daoism, for example, mainly focus on the active involvement of all students together for their common good.
Discuss Which Category Best Describes Your Communication Behaviour and Why You Behave in This Manner
My communication behavior is best described by individualistic culture. It is because of the importance of one being fully responsible for the actions one undertakes. Individualism promotes rational thinking when communicating. By practicing individualism when communicating, I am exempted from having a fear of rejection. I communicate by laying my basis on what I think is right rather than laying my basis on the society’s stand.
How Would Your Communication Be Different If You Switched to The Opposite Behaviour?
Contrary to individualism, collective culture focuses on the ‘We’ identity. I can not just make stands by putting respect on what I only think is right. I will have to emphasize what is best for a collective group of people before making my decision. Collectivism, on the other hand, helps to prevent being biased in my speech. This culture might be disadvantaged by fear of rejection. Will other people like my idea, or will they turn it down? That might always be a big question.
REFERENCES
Psychology Wiki. (n.d). Collectivist and individualist cultures
https://psychology.wikia.org/wiki/Collectivist_and_individualist_cultures
Cherry, K. (2020, March 4). Individualistic cultures and behavior
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-individualistic-cultures-2795273
Cherry, K. (2020, March 4). Understanding collectivist cultures
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-collectivistic-cultures-2794962