Individualism vs collectivism in conflict management PART 2

First of all individualism vs collectivism is a false dichotomy because it nearly never happens that somebody is 100% an individualist or a collectivist.

Still as conflict resolution practitioners we need to assess and to understand our client's view of the world and it's impact on the conflict resolution styles and outcomes. 

Here are the main differences according to Hall (1976) :

1. Communication 

individualist : most information in the message , ''I'' is predominant

collectivist:  minimal information in the message, ''WE'' is predominant

2. Time

individualist : time is possessed, time and efficiency, time and productivity, time is owned

collectivist : time is contextual and relation-oriented

3. Causes of conflict 

individualist : individual pride, ego, possessions, sense of autonomy, power 

collectivist : group harmony, reciprocal sense of favors and obligations, incompatible relation-management

4. Styles of negotiation: 

individualist : competition, compromising, problems dealt with openly and directly

collectivist : avoidance, harmonizing, problems dealt with subtly and discreetly

5. Power

individualist : tangible as a source of reward and punishment

collectivist :  intangible as a source of esteem in the community and the relations

Here is a video if you want to learn more about individualism, collectivism and political ideologies.