Opposite Ends of the Same Stick? Multi-Method Test of the Dimensionality of Individualism and Collectivis

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Paul M. Muchinsky, Joseph M. Bryan Distinguished Professor of Business (Creator)
Dr.. Riikka M. Sarala, Professor of International Business (Creator)
Vasyl Taras, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The construct of individualism–collectivism (IND-COL) has become the definitive standard in cross-cultural psychology, management, and related fields. It is also among the most controversial, in particular, with regard to the ambiguity of its dimensionality: Some view IND and COL as the opposites of a single continuum, whereas others argue that the two are independent constructs. We explored the issue through seven different tests using original individual-level data from 50 studies and meta-analytic data from 149 empirical publications yielding a total of 295 sample-level observations that were collected using six established instruments for assessing IND and COL as separate constructs. Results indicated that the dimensionality of IND-COL may depend on (a) the specific instrument used to collect the data, (b) the sample characteristics and the cultural region from which the data were collected, and (c) the level of analysis. We also review inconsistencies, deficiencies, and challenges of conceptualizing IND-COL and provide guidelines for developing and selecting instruments for measuring the construct, and for reporting and meta-analyzing results from this line of research.

Additional Information

Publication
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
values, attitudes, beliefs, cultural psychology, history of psychology, individualism, collectivism

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