Individualism and Collectivist Cultures

Amai- ambiguity: more than one intended meaning for Japanese words. The Japanese are generally tolerant of ambiguity. Expressing oneself ambiguously and indirectly is expected in Japanese. Pg 9

Geographical determinism: the geography of Japan has a great influence on the development of many of the country’s customs and cultural values. People had to live close together in communities. Concept of harmony became an important factor.pg 9-10

The labor was shared communally in order to achieve a high production in a limited amount of space. People had to cooperate in this kind of society. Developed a “rule of the unanimous” not to go against group wishes. People avoided expressing their ideas clearly for fear of being excluded from group. Japan developed a vertical organization. Pg 10

“Although this group consciousness has contributed greatly to the economic development of Japan, the need for strong emotional unity has also resulted in an inability to criticize others openly.” Pg 11

The style of conversation…is one-way… or an inconclusive argument.pg 11

Amae- depending on the benevolence of the group. The concept of amae may have been important in order to maintain the solidarity of the group, because the Japanese have been a people who have stressed group unity since ancient times. Pg 17

The person who insists on his or her opinion before the group has reached a consensus is seen as selfish and forward. Better to say nothing than cause misunderstandings or trouble. It is considered rude for a subordinate to speak out openly against a person of higher rank. Pg 53

Silence thus functions as a kind of lubricating oil to create smoother communication because it can help to avoid hurting others and contributes to a peaceful and harmo...

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...ups, and less concerned with their in-group needs, goals, norms, interests, integrity, and consequences. They tend to consider the individual self as the basic unit and a source of life identity, purpose and goals.

Those in collectivist cultures value their group membership, respect group processes and decisions, and expect other in-group members to look after or protect them in case of needs or crisis. For them, keeping good and harmonious relationships inside their in-group is a priority; and avoiding loss of face is important. Their identity is based on the strong and cohesive in-groups to which they belong. In collectivist cultures, cooperation is high within in-groups, but is unlikely when the other person belongs to an out-group. As a comparison, people in individualist cultures are good at forming new in-groups and getting along with those from out-groups.