Individualism vs. Collectivism
By Angélica Conde
Individualism stresses personal rewards and benefits. This concept emphasizes that each person should live the life they want to, set personal goals and objectives based on self. Individualistic workers are very comfortable working with autonomy and not part of a team.
However, collectivism stresses group goals and groupthink; thus, collectivism looks for the best for personal relationships. Collectivism easily sacrifices individual benefits or praise to recognize and honor the team’s success.
Characteristics of Individualism & Collectivism:
INDIVIDUALISM:
- Each individual takes care of themselves and their immediate family only.
- Think in terms of "I".
- Value independence.
- Personal opinion, the personal mind is valued.
- Working for benefit of self.
COLLECTIVISM:
- People identify with and take care of their respective families and communities.
- Think in terms of "we".
- Value of belonging.
- Shared values, ideas, opinions.
- Working for benefit of the group.
I remember my time in high school. In my freshman year of high school.
One of the main characteristics of the assignments was the typical group work, where it was assumed that all the members of the group cooperated in the development of the topic, and then each one orally shared a part of the work. But for me, it was a shocking experience because I was touched by colleagues who didn't have the slightest degree of interest. So my solution was to prepare the entire assignment and prepare it individually.
Obviously, on the day of the presentation, I told my teacher about the situation, but she gave me the following lesson. She congratulated me for presenting the assignment but told me that the work was focused on the group evaluation. Then he said a phrase that I never forgot and in fact is widely used in my country "when it rains everyone gets wet".
My teacher taught me a lesson that maybe at the time I didn't understand but over time I have been able to understand better. She wanted me to do my part, she didn't want me to do everything, but with initiative, I could have searched and discovered the reasons why my colleagues didn't get involved in the work. Maybe they didn't have time, maybe they forgot, maybe they were too shy to work in a group where most of the students didn't know each other, but she taught me to always exhaust my resources to organize the group work and provide an environment nice and trustworthy where everyone could feel free to express themselves. I'm not saying that you must take the initiative always, but this small action can make your experience more enjoyable.
Throughout my life, I have treasured that teaching, because it has facilitated my conscience by working in a group and striving to always learn from each partner.
In conclusion, we can try to get the best of both worlds, we can balance individualism and collectivism in our environment.
For instance, adopt the value of teamwork from collectivism but at the same time encourage individual creativity in each group member.
We should consider caring individual creativity and innovation or the group’s wellbeing and success.
💬How do you like to work? Individually or in team settings?
References:
The culture of the future - Hilary Corna
Future learn - Cultural inl¿telligence - Purdue university
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