Difference between Collectivism and Individualism
International Business
Management Notes
Individualism is the idea that the individual’s life belongs to him and that he has an inalienable right to live it as he sees fit, to act on his own judgment, to keep and use the product of his effort, and to pursue the values of his choosing.Collectivism is the idea that the individual’s life belongs not to him but to the group or society of which he is merely a part, that he has no rights, and that he must sacrifice his values and goals for the group’s “greater good.”
Some of the major differences between Collectivism and Individualism are as follows:
Basis |
Collectivism |
Individualism |
| Definition | Collectivism is an ideology which accepts that the group is more important than individuals that form the group because being a part of society you are responsible for maintaining order and overall good even when society’s approach is harmful to you as a specific individual. | Individualism is an ideology, which accepts that the individual person is more important than the group because individual is sovereign, an end in himself, and the fundamental unit of moral concern. |
| Consciousness | In collectivism,there is frequent use of “We”. | In individualism, there is frequent use of “I”. |
| Communication | In collectivism,in- group and out-group communication are not equal . | In individualism,In- group and out-group communication are similar. |
| Privacy | In collectivism there is no place for privacy which means one is never alone. | In individualism,privacy is valued. |
| Dependency | In collectivism,group awareness precedes,mutual relationships and ties are emphasized. | In individualism,people have high self-awareness and are independent. |
| Friendship | In collectivism,friendship are determined by group memberships. | In individualism,friendship is a basic human need. |
| Information Source | In collectivism, social networks are the primary source of information. | In individualism, media is the primary source of information. |
| Occupation mobility | In collectivism, occupation mobility is lower. | In individualism,occupation mobility is higher. |
| Goal | In collectivism, harmony and consensus in society is the ultimate goal. | In individualism,self actualization by the individual is the ultimate goal. |
| Per Capita GDP | In collectivism,Per Capita GDP tends to be lower. | In individualism,Per Capita GDP tends to be higher. |
