Culture Matters: Individualism vs. Collectivism in Conflict Decision-Making

Rebecca LeFebvre and Volker Franke
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Rebecca LeFebvre: International Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144, USA
Volker Franke: International Conflict Management, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144, USA

Societies, 2013, vol. 3, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Does culture matter in decision-making? Existing literature largely assumes that the cognitive processes that inform decision-making are universally applicable, while only very few studies indicate that cultural norms and values shape cognitive processes. Using survey based quasi-experimental design, this research shows that subjects with higher levels of individualism tend to be more rational in their decision processing, while those with higher levels of collectivism tend to be more dependent and less likely to betray the interests of members of more central ingroups in favor of less central ingroups. Furthermore, the results indicate that in conflict settings that seem familiar, individuals are more likely to compromise in order to achieve peace.

Keywords: individualism; collectivism; social identity; culture; decision-making (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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