Individualism

Individualism is the "emphasis on individual self-interests"(OB,35), and in American culture, organizations push this quite strongly. This sense of individualism creates a workplace where employees are encouraged to act in their own self-interests.  As a result, people in these organizations are going to try to achieve for personal gain.  A great way to create productivity is a piece-rate system, which allows employers to give promotions and salary on the individuals performances.

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Other countries focus on a more collectivist way of conducting their organization.  In collectivism, organizations hold the interests of the group over the interests of the individual.  This system focuses on employees looking out for other employees, which build a sense of loyalty to the group.  An example of a country that emphasizes collectivism would be Japan, where people stay together for overtime and promotions are given in regards to seniority.  A societies dimensions are usually determined through an I or we mentality, which can be seen in the U.S. and Japan.  

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