12 - Individualism in Finland (Hofstede)
A HOFSTEDE DIMENSION The fundamental question addressed by this dimension is the degree of interdependence that a society maintains among its members. The question is whether people's self-image is defined in terms of "I" or "We". In individualistic societies, people are expected to care only for themselves and their immediate family. In collectivist societies, people belong to "groups" that take care of them in exchange for their loyalty. RESULTS According to G. Hostede, a criterion determines the relationships that individuals in the same community have with each other. Communitarian societies favour time spent in groups, whereas individualistic societies favour time spent by individuals for their personal lives. G. Hostede established a link between economic development and individualism, the most economically developed states having a strong relationship to individualism. The results of Hostede's study are as follows: Finland 63, France