個人主義與集體主義

1、內(nèi)蒙古財經(jīng)學院本科學年論文中國集體主義與美國個人主義的比較作者韓術蘭系別外國語專業(yè)英語年級 08 級學號 802031107指導教師楊麗導師職稱講師Foreign Languages DepartmentInner Mongolia Finance and Economics CollegeComparison between Collectivism in China and Individualism in AmericanHan ShulanA thesis submitted to Foreign Languages Department ofInner Mongolia Financ

2、e and Economics CollegeIn full-time fulfillment of the requirementFor the degree of Bachelor of ArtsDecember 2011Hohhot, China摘要伴隨著經(jīng)濟全球化未來的是文化的全球化。在全球化語境中,基于不同文化價值觀下,跨文化交際下產(chǎn)生了一定的積極作用。從某種程度上,跨文化交際推動力不同文明的和解和理解,促進了文化的溝通和交流。伴隨著中美關系的發(fā)展,中美交流日益增多,中美價值觀的差異日益突顯。本研究試從文化價值觀的角度進行跨文化的比較,從辯證的角度審視中美的集體主義和個人主義的價值觀

3、,以更好的促進中美文化的交流,強化不同文明下合作共贏的基礎,減少文明沖突對話障礙。本文通過翻閱和查找資料,搜集整理中美文化價值觀差異,運用比較分析的方法,了解更多關于中美文化差的知識,減少文化差異對跨文化交際的消極影響。關鍵詞:集體主義,個人主義,跨文化交際,價值觀AbstractAlong with economic globalization, cultural globalization is coming. In the context of globalization, based on different cultural values, the cross-cultural co

4、mmunication plays a certain positive role. To some extent, cross-cultural communication driving force for reconciliation and understanding among civilizations, promoting a culture of communication and exchange. With the development of China and American relations, China-US exchanges increasing, diff

5、erent values between China and American appear. This study is trying to compare the differences of cross-culture communication from a dialectical perspective of Chinese collectivism and American individualism values to promote cultural exchanges between China and America, to strengthen cooperation a

6、nd win-win under different civilizations and to reduce barriers of civilizations dialogue. Through reading and searching the data, collecting information of China and American differences in cultural values, This paper uses comparative analysis to analyze more about Chinese and American culture and

7、knowledge so as to reduce the negative impact of cultural differences in cross-cultural communication.Key words: Collectivism, Individualism, Cross-culture communication, ValuesAcknowledgementsThe topic and issues receive the guidance of the teacher Yang Li, who has been patiently for my study.Yangs

8、 meticulous style, rigorous and realistic attitude, the sense of spirit, not only granted me the text but also taught me how to be a man. I am very grateful to Yang multiple patient counseling and here I would like to express my deep gratitude to her:” Thank You very much, thanks you”.Here I want to

9、 thank all my teachers for my concern and care, but also to wish them success in work and happy life. At the same time, I also want to express my great gratitude to all my friends who accompany with me and give me encourage when I was in difficulties. At last, I would like to show my appreciation to

10、 the scholars who provide the useful and practical materials which contributed to the accomplishment of my thesis.Table of Contents摘要 (Abstract (Acknowledgement (Table of contents (Part.Introduction (1Part.Backgrounds of Collectivism and Individualism (12.1. Backgrounds of Collectivism (12.2. Backgr

11、ounds of Individualism (2Part.The Concepts of Collectivism and Individualism (23.1.The Definition and Dimension of Culture (23.2.The Definition of Collectivism (33.3. The Definition of Individualism (4Part.Characteristics of Collectivism and Individualism (44.1. Characteristics of Collectivism (44.1

12、.1. Groups are Major Units of Social Perception (54.1.2 .Achievement is for the Benefit of Group (54.1.3. In-group Goal is more Important than Personal Goal (54.2 Characteristics of Individualism (54.2.1 Ones Success is Attributed to His Own Ability (64.2.2 Self-Assuredness is Valued (64.2.3 Persona

13、l Goals over the Group Goals (6part.Comparison of the Value of Collectivism and Individualism (75.1. Comparison of Success and Achievement Orientation (75.2. Comparisons of Independence and Equality (75.3 .Comparison of Attitude towards Interests (95.4. Comparison of Sense of Responsibility (9Part.

14、Effects of Collectivism and Individualism (106.1. Effects on Enterprise Management (106.1.1. Effects on Working Approach (106.1.2. Effects on Staffs Personality and Intellect (116.1.3. Effects on Enterprises Rules (116.2. Effects on Living Habits (126.3. Effects on Education (12Part.Conclusion (13Bi

15、bliography (14ivComparison between Collectivism in China and Individualism inAmericanPart IntroductionTogether with the development of global economy, the global culture comes. Chinese culture spreads through the world faster than what we imagined. Even though people benefit from the globalization,

16、and at the same time, a lot of differences and conflicts appear. Many conflicts and problems have arisen because of different viewpoints on cultural values, different management models, different habits of life and different forms of education. For boosting cultural communication, we must know more

17、about the differences and distinctions of different cultural values. In the paper, I will discuss the different values between China and America in terms of the differences between collectivism and individualism from the aspects of characteristics and effects.In the paper, I divide the whole thesis

18、into seven parts. The aim of the thesis i s to make particular contrasts between collectivism and individualism and point out their effects on management models, habits of life and education. At first I will give a brief introduction about the whole contents, the distribution of the whole thesis and

19、 brief content of each part. Then I would like to talk about the backgrounds of collectivism and individualism. Some basic information of collectivism and individualism will be arranged in the third part, which will also conclude the definition of collectivism and individualism. The forth part mainl

20、y tells about some characteristics of collectivism and individualism. In the fifth part, it is about the comparison between collectivism and individualism, which is the main part of the thesis. And I will give some examples to explain their differences further. The effects of the two different value

21、s will be discussed in the sixth part. At last the conclusion is made.Part Background of Collectivism and Individualism2.1Background of Collectivism in China1The first performance of collectivism is that individual interest should obey the interest of state and collective interest. Another performan

22、ce of it is that individual interest should accord with the interest of state and collective interest.China is a socialist country with public ownership remaining predominant, where people are the host of the country and the interest of collective is superior to any things. Besides, the interest of

23、state and collective interest are the guarantee and source of individual interest and individual interest can only come true when it fuses with collective interest. Under the system of public ownership, personal interest must be subordinate to collectives ones and the interest of the part to those o

24、f the whole and immediate to long-term interest. In other words, limited interests must be subordinate to overall interest, and minor interest to major ones. In China, people advocate the spirit of team-work and building a good relationship with others. They pay little attention to the importance of

25、 individuals.2.2 Background of Individualism in AmericaIn America, individualism begins from the era of colony. At that time, the European arrived at the land which is lightly populated. They got rid of the old concept and began to enjoy the freedom. At the same time, they realized that they must be

26、 independent and stand with their own strength. Until now, the spirit of independence still exists and becomes one of the spirits that Americans believe. People in individualistic societies attach more importance on freedom and independence. In addition, they hold the belief that they should rely on

27、 their own strength and effort instead of the help of others to make their dreams come true. Except for these reasons, American social system requires that its economic activities should subordinate individual actions. The word individualism is different from the word we have said in daily life, whi

28、ch represents independence, equality, freedom and rights.Part The Concepts of Collectivism and Individualism3.1 The Definition and Dimension of CultureActually there is no agreed-upon definition of culture. There are several2definitions of culture; the word “culture” comes from the Latina culture, w

29、hich is related to cult or worship. It can be actually classified into different types when viewed from different perceptions. Culture involves at least three components: what people think, what they do, and material products they produce. Culture also has several properties: it is shared, learned,

30、symbolic, adaptive and integrated. Most scholars of culture agree that culture is shared, learned behavior which is transmitted from one generation to another for the purpose of promoting individual and social survival, adaption and growth and development.Dutch researcher Greet Hofstede is an intern

31、ational authority on intercultural social psychology. He did a lot of researches and initially he developed a model that identifies four primary dimensions of culture: power distance, individualism and collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity and femininity. These dimensions have a great inf

32、luence have a great influence on countys political, social and economical system. Among the four, the dimension of collectivism and individualism.3.2 The Definition of CollectivismIn the theory of Hofstedes value, collective culture is also called” we -culture”. Collectivists hold the idea that the

33、groups, the nation, the community, the race, the organization or the extended family are more important than individuals and the collective interest is superior to all the other things. And they pay much attention to harmony and avoid direct confrontation. They want to build relationship with others

34、 in a peaceful and polite way. Besides, they also believe that they can represent the whole group. The achievement is a product of society, which was achieved by all the individuals and all the individuals belong to the group. If an individual gets praise, he may bring honor to the group which he be

35、longs to. If an individual does something bad and gets condemn, the image of the group he belongs to will get damaged. Even though collectivists put the group in the first place, it does not deny the existence of the individual. They believe that the needs and the goals of the individual should be s

36、ubordinate to those of the large group. When individuals interests confront with collective interests, they should make a sacrifice unconditionally and automatically when it is necessary.3In the countries with the value of collectivism, their societies are low individualism but high in collectivism.

37、 In the society, people would likely to emphasize group harmony, family relationship, social order and union in group relationships.3.3. The Definition of IndividualismIn the theory of Hofstedes value, he also considered individualism different from what we get and understand from the Chinese dictio

38、nary. The word individualism is also different from the word egoism which we linked with selfishness. Actually, there is not a proper word has the similar meaning with individualism. It cannot be equal with the word “individualism” in Chinese. What it emphasizes is that people should be independent,

39、 do the things on their own efforts and should not rely on others. Individualists hold that the individual is the primary unit of reality and the ultimate standard of value.Individual value believes that people are supposed to take care of themselves and remain emotionally independent of groups, org

40、anizations or other collectives. Individualists advocate independence, freedom and self-emphasis, which are very important for them even when they make friends with others. When they stay with friends, they are very open, but they may be very critical towards their enemies. In addition, they think t

41、hat individuals can do whatever they want to do and pay more attention to their “freedom”, “rights” and self-sufficiency. They protect their rights and dignity through building contrasts. Besides, Individualists judge others by how much they need them and see society as a collection of individuals,

42、not something over and above them. Only when individuals become rich, the whole country can become prosperous. And they believe that no one should be sacrificed for the sake of another. Whats mor e, individualists deem that achievement is something new created by the individuals not belong to the gr

43、oup. In American enterprise, these features not only showed out by the manager, but also by the staff.Part Characteristics of Collectivism and Individualism4There are many characteristics of collectivism; the characteristics of collective-oriented societies can be well illustrated in the followings.

44、4.1 Characteristics of Collectivism4.1.1 Groups are Major Units of Social PerceptionCollectivists believe that only when the whole group get developed and become prosperity, the individuals can have a life of happiness and prosperity. And individuals happiness is built on the basis of collective int

45、erest. They put the interest of group in the first place.4.1.2. Achievement is for the Benefit of GroupUnder the value of collectivism, people believe that they belong to the group and their achievements also belong to the group. Collectivists think that his success is largely owed to the help of th

46、e individuals in the group. So if an individual is hurt, the group is hurt; if an individual is helped, the group is helped; if an individual is shamed, the group is shamed.4.1.3. In-group Goal is more important than Personal GoalBecause collectivists believe that groups are major units of social pe

47、rception, they believe the collective interest is superior to any things. In group goal is more important than personal goal, when they get confrontation, individuals should give up their personal goal to accomplish the in-group goal.Other characteristics of collectivism will be introduced in the fo

48、llowings: others behavior is explained by group norms; self is defined in terms of group; one knows more about others than self; success is attributed to the help of the group; modesty is valued; interdependence is valued; ostracism is feared; one has strong connections to a few groups; one has many

49、 obligations to others; harmony is expected; relations are important.4.2 Characteristics of individualismThe same with collectivism, individualism also has many characteristics. The country is high in individualism, where individualism is highly valued and clearly a mark of success. The characterist

50、ics of individual-oriented societies can be clearly shown in followings.4.2.1 Ones Success is attributed to His Own AbilityUnder the value of individualism, individualists emphasize independence which means people shouldnt rely on others to solve the problem and must achieve their goals through thei

51、r own efforts. They think that their success mainly comes from their hard work and great efforts. In other words, they attributed their success largely to their own ability instead of the help of group or the individuals who belong to the group.4.2.2 Self-assuredness is ValuedIndividuals prefer to s

52、elf-sufficiency and they have high level of self-assuredness. They have a clear goal in life and focus on the self-realization. Whats more, they believe that the success they made only because their great efforts and hard work instead of the help of the members in the group.4.2.3 Personal Goals over

53、 the Group GoalsIndividualists hold the opinion that the interest of individual is superior to the interest of states and collective. Whats more, they insist that only when the individuals make their dream come true and get their happiness, can the whole country gain prosperity. So it is important f

54、or them to put the personal goals rather than group goals in the first place. They believe that personal goals are over the group goals and group goals should create conditions and make sacrifices for personal goals unconditionally when it is necessary.Individualism is the attitude of valuing oursel

55、ves as separate individuals with responsibility for our own destinies and our own actions. It has some other characteristics, such as others behavior is explained by personal traits; Self is defined as individual entity; one knows more about self than others; achievement is made for ones own sake; a

56、utonomy and independence is valued; dependent on other is avoi ded; one bears casual connections to many groups; task completion is important; one has few obligations to other; confrontation is acceptable.Part Comparison between values of Collectivism and Individualism5.1. Comparison of Success and

57、Achievement OrientationIn China, most Chinese tend to identify themselves primarily as a member of group rather than as individuals. They believe that they are members of group and belong to the group. Meanwhile, they think that ones business is also the business of the group. When they are praised,

58、 they may think their achievement is for the benefit of group rather than their own abilities. For example, his Chinese staff did a good job, he may give him praise. At this time, the Chinese staff may answer in this way”thank you so much, but I just do what I should do and the achievement I got is

59、the product of your good leadership and the help of the whole members in the group, not only by my own effort”. But if the boss praised the American staff, he may reply with thank you and explain how he accomplishes the job through his own efforts. Individualists prefer self-assuredness.5.2 Comparisons in the Aspect of Independence and EqualityCollectivis