Collectivism
Collectivism is a philosophy where people are loyal to their group or
collectives which care for them. It generally reflects the ability of
the people to achieve their collective goals by working together.
Through collectivism, people can pursue the general welfare and group
interests to a greater degree (Hofstede & Bond, 1984; Kuo, 2013).
People can create groups, organizations and societies to achieve their
collective goals and objectives through cooperation among members. The
members of the collectives are then encouraged to conform to the group
and they discourage individuals from dissenting and standing out
(Gorodnichenko & Roland, 2012). The members’ attitude would lead to
stronger loyalty and patronage of their collective society. Cross
cultural studies suggest that people with stronger collectivist level
would combine efforts, knowledge and skills that they need in order to
perform their tasks and to achieve their goals (Bouncken, et al., 2007).
In a collectivist organization, the members make decisions through their
social bond that adopts the principles equality and accountability
(Gelfand, 2004). They would emphasize loyalty to the group,
interdependence, group decisions instead of being dominated by an
individual, personal identity with the group, and concern for their
fellow members (Baron & Byrne, 1997). The members would value
collective goals and members are rewarded for their collective
achievements (Chatman & Barsade, 1995). Their relationship is becoming
stronger and the individual would choose to stay in the collective even
if it demands for service or financial contribution (Triandis, et al.,
1988).
Collectivism has been applied as an economic, social and political
philosophical construct that gives greater value to a group or to the
people rather than to individuals or few powerful individuals. It is a
way of life which encourages groups to work cohesively in attaining the
‘common good’ than working individually to meet their ends.
The economic thoughts of collectivism. Collectivism in the
economic context gives more importance on the welfare and interest of
the collective than the welfare and interest of the few or any
individual. It is an outlook where economic development can be achieved
by giving priority to collective goals over individuals by emphasizing
cohesion within the groups. Collectivism postulates that individuals
must be committed to the collective action and thoughts of collectivism
in order to attain the common good. Table 1 presents the summary of
related literatures to the economic thoughts of collectivism.
Table 1. Economic Thoughts of Collectivism