Culture Dimensions: Individualism/Collectivism, Context, and Values (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key culture concepts from the notes: the horizontal/vertical dimensions of individualism and collectivism, high/low context communication, and Schwartz’s universal values, plus example corporate values and related communication cues.

Horizontal Individualism

A culture pattern that emphasizes self-expression and self-reliance while promoting equality among people; individuals are encouraged to be unique but treated as equals.

Vertical Individualism

A culture pattern that emphasizes individual achievement and status within a hierarchy; individuals pursue personal goals while accepting inequality and ranks.

Horizontal Collectivism

A culture pattern in which the group is central and members see themselves as equals, emphasizing cooperation without a strong focus on hierarchy.

Vertical Collectivism

A culture pattern where the group is central but inequality and hierarchy are acknowledged; collective goals are pursued with attention to status differences.

High-context culture

Culture where nonverbal cues and implicit communication dominate; meaning is conveyed through context, with values such as saying less and showing more.

Low-context culture

Culture where communication is explicit and direct; messages rely on clear, specific words rather than context or nonverbal cues.

Restricted code

A concise, context-rich style of communication common in high-context cultures that relies on shared assumptions.

Elaborated code

An explicit, detailed style of communication common in low-context cultures that minimizes reliance on shared context.

Culture (Schwartz) definition

The values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors shared by a group and transmitted across generations.

Schwartz's 10 universal values

Self-Direction, Stimulation, Hedonism, Achievement, Power, Security, Conformity, Tradition, Benevolence, Universalism.

Self-Direction

A Schwartz value emphasizing freedom to explore, create, and act autonomously.

Stimulation

A Schwartz value emphasizing excitement, novelty, and a need for variety and change.

Hedonism

A Schwartz value emphasizing pleasure and personal gratification.

Achievement

A Schwartz value emphasizing personal success and demonstrated competence according to social standards.

Power

A Schwartz value emphasizing social status, control, and dominance over resources or people.

Security

A Schwartz value emphasizing safety, stability, and the protection of loved ones and institutions.

Conformity

A Schwartz value emphasizing self-control and restraint of actions that might upset or harm others or social norms.

Tradition

A Schwartz value emphasizing respect for cultural, religious, and familial customs and practices.

Benevolence

A Schwartz value emphasizing concern for the welfare of close others and helping them.

Universalism

A Schwartz value emphasizing understanding, appreciation, and protection for the welfare of all people and nature.

Three universal needs (Schwartz)

Biological needs (food, water, shelter), the need for social interaction, and the need to survive and thrive as a group with security and a rule of law.

Walmart core values

Respect for the individual; service to the customer; strive for excellence; integrity.

Tesla core values

Risk-taking or willingness to take chances; respect for the individual; commitment to learning.

Say less, show more (high-context cue)

In high-context cultures, communication relies on nonverbal cues and implicit meaning rather than explicit words.

Relationship-building in high-context cultures

Building solid relationships is crucial because understanding relies on history, trust, and social bonds.