Cultural Values Spectrum : Cultural Values Spectrum
Control Fate : Control Fate Personal control over the environment:
It is normal and right for humans to control nature.
Individuals control their own environment and lives. Fate or destiny:
Some things lie beyond the power of humans.
Individual Group : Individual Group Individualism:
Each individual is unique and special.
Privacy is a positive and desired condition.
Independence is valued. Group orientation:
Strong identification with group.
Privacy may connote loneliness or isolation.
Dependence is normal.
Change Stability : Change Stability Change is a good and positive condition:
It is linked to development, improvement, progress, and growth.
It is seen as natural. Change is disruptive:
It is a destructive force to be avoided.
Stability, continuity, tradition, and ancient heritage are valued.
Self-Made Birthright : Self-Made Birthright Change is a good and positive condition:
Condition of birth is not credited.
Hard work and sacrifice are keys to success.
Take the initiative.
Family background decides condition of life:
Individual accomplishment is within context of birthright.
Inheritance is a major factor.
Equality Hierarchy : Equality Hierarchy Equality is valued as a right:
All people are created equal.
All people have an equal opportunity to succeed in life.
All people are treated just like everyone else. Rank, status, and authority are desirable:
They give a sense of security and certainty.
It is reassuring to know who and where one is in society.
People are treated differently according to their status.
Time Human : Time Human Time is of utmost importance:
Concern with schedules is of high priority.
Language is filled with references to time. Relationships are more important than schedules:
Abruptly cutting off a discussion is worse than being late.
Competition Cooperation : Competition Cooperation Competition brings out the best:
In the classroom, work, and sports.
Every individual is competing with all others. Cooperation leads to the best results:
Team spirit and group effort are most important.
Future Past : Future Past The future will bring improvement and greater happiness:
Energy is directed toward the future.
Planning for the future is important. Orientation to past:
Remembering the past is important.
Planning for the future is futile or even sinful.
Practicality Idealism : Practicality Idealism Practical considerations are given high priority:
Efficiency is a source of pride.
Individuals control their own environment and lives. Theory is valued:
Subjective and emotional ideals have a place.
Material Spiritual : Material Spiritual Materialism is a natural benefit of hard work:
Acquiring objects is a prime motivator in life.
Individuals give high priority to obtaining, maintaining, and protecting their material objects.
Detachment from material objects is a value:
The meaning of life is found in the realm of the spirit.