Due by 5pm on Sunday, February 2: Discussion Post #2 on the Ning

Strorti’s Figuring Foreigners Out and the Hofstede Dimensions of Culture both explore cultural differences and how they shape human interactions. Both focus on the patterns and biases that go on across different countries. However, I am most intrigued by the individualistic-collectivist idea. The individualistic-collectivist culture is an interesting idea that I relate with and see across both Asian and American cultures. It says that an individualistic culture focuses on self. This means being independent and self-sufficient, where one takes priority over a group. The collectivist culture focuses on the group, as needs of the group, usually a family, are predominant over individuals. And in the Hofstede Dimensions of Culture, we can see that Asia tends to have a higher collectivist view while America has a higher individualistic view. And this is certainly true in my life as well. I grew up with the collectivist culture, where unity, sufficiency, and harmony was stressed heavily. However, I also see the individualistic view growing up in America as we are taught to be independent and self-sufficient in all aspects of life. I also found the monochronic-polychronic time to be interesting as well. The monochronic view of time is that time is a premium, therefore we must not waste it and use it efficiently. It stresses the importance of using time efficiently and the needs of people are to be adjusted to time. The polychronic view of time is that time is limitless and not quantifiable, therefore it is more of a tool rather than a premium or luxury. Both views I see across various cultures, but can’t say that one is more dominant, but rather varies across families.

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Samuel Lee January 30, 2025 at 2:04pm

Strorti’s Figuring Foreigners Out and the Hofstede Dimensions of Culture both explore cultural differences and how they shape human interactions. Both focus on the patterns and biases that go on across different countries. However, I am most intrigued by the individualistic-collectivist idea. The individualistic-collectivist culture is an interesting idea that I relate with and see across both Asian and American cultures. It says that an individualistic culture focuses on self. This means being independent and self-sufficient, where one takes priority over a group. The collectivist culture focuses on the group, as needs of the group, usually a family, are predominant over individuals. And in the Hofstede Dimensions of Culture, we can see that Asia tends to have a higher collectivist view while America has a higher individualistic view. And this is certainly true in my life as well. I grew up with the collectivist culture, where unity, sufficiency, and harmony was stressed heavily. However, I also see the individualistic view growing up in America as we are taught to be independent and self-sufficient in all aspects of life. I also found the monochronic-polychronic time to be interesting as well. The monochronic view of time is that time is a premium, therefore we must not waste it and use it efficiently. It stresses the importance of using time efficiently and the needs of people are to be adjusted to time. The polychronic view of time is that time is limitless and not quantifiable, therefore it is more of a tool rather than a premium or luxury. Both views I see across various cultures, but can’t say that one is more dominant, but rather varies across families.
- Joseph Jeon > Samuel Lee April 22, 2025 at 5:23pm
  
  I really enjoyed your reflections. I especially liked how you connected your personal experiences with the concepts of individualism and collectivism. It’s fascinating how growing up in both cultural environments gives you a unique perspective. I also liked your point about time perception varying not just by culture but even between families. That nuance is often overlooked, and it really shows how complex cultural influences can be.

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