IDENTIFYING CORE CULTURAL VALUES
Our core cultural values are deeply held and extremely important. Just as a tree relies on its root system
to anchor and sustain it, we rely on our core values to hold us up and keep us going. Of course, a tree’s
roots are usually and mostly invisible to us – and we don’t often directly “see” our core values, either.
This exercise gives us a chance to identify some of our core values.
For each pairing of contrasting values below, you will need to figure out where your main or dominant
value fits on the spectrum. There are no right or wrong answers!
A. Individualism vs. Communalism
Individualism: Independence is a good thing. I shape my own identity. Although I may consult with others if I
choose to, I like to be responsible for my own important life decisions. If I do something wrong, it reflects on me.
Communalism: Being attentive to the needs of my group/family is a good thing. My identity is a function mainly of
my membership/role in my group/family. I make important life decisions based on the needs of my group/family
and with others having a strong say. If I do something wrong, it reflects on my group/family.
Individualism
Collectivism
B. Doing Priority vs. Interacting Priority
Doing Priority: I am task-oriented and place a high value on being active. When I meet people for the first time, I
find out right away what their job is or what projects/activities they have been/like to be engaged in. Even when I
am with family and friends, our time together is often built around an activity (e.g., going to a movie).
Interacting Priority: I am people-oriented and place a high value on being relational in and of itself. I am
comfortable getting to know people without asking them about their job or activities they have been/like to be
engaged in. I usually prefer spending unstructured time with family and friends.
Activity Priority
People Priority
C. Directness vs. Indirectness
Directness: I value being forthright (getting directly to the point). Problems should be resolved through face-toface conversations. Being straightforward communicates honesty and openness.
Indirectness: I value being indirect (making my point subtly, patiently or through others). Problems should be
resolved through the assistance of a third party. Being indirect respects the integrity and others and allows them
to “save face” if need be.
Directness
Indirectness
D. Change vs. Stability
Change: I usually look forward to change – it tends to affect my life positively. Change is the way of the world and
often a sign of progress. Over time, even my friends will change. It is good for people to take risks and try new
things.
Stability: I value stability, which gives meaning to my life. Change often disrupts the meaning, pace and rhythms of
life. The friendships I formed when I was young are important and life-long. It is good for people to preserve
traditions and avoid “upsetting the apple cart”.
Change
Stability
E. Meritocracy vs. Identity
Meritocracy: I believe that individuals should be judged on merit and earn their own way in life. What is fair for
one is fair for all. How well you do in life is based mainly on how hard you work and try.
Identity: I believe that individuals should be judged on their circumstances; not all of us are privileged enough to
be able to easily earn our own way in life. Ethnicity, age, gender, family background and other characteristics
matter hugely in determining a person’s standing in the community. Fairness is context dependent. How well you
do in life depends mainly on factors over which you have little or no control.
Meritocracy
Identity
F. Hierarchy vs. Equality
Hierarchy: I believe that people should be treated according to their standing in this world. For instance, medical
doctors and college professors should be spoken to or referred to by their titles. I defer to the views of those who
are senior to me in age or position. Things work better when each of us knows and accepts our place in the world.
Equality: I believe that people should interact with one another as equals. Medical doctors, college professors,
whoever – it doesn’t matter – we should all speak to or refer to one another on a first name basis. Just because
someone is older or higher ranked than me doesn’t obligate me to defer to them. Things work better when each
of us is accepted for being a fellow human being, period.
Hierarchy
Equality
G. Clock time vs. Right Time
Clock Time: I believe that time is precious and should not be wasted. I make sure to arrive on time for work,
meetings, etc. I agree that “arriving late says that your own time is more valuable than the time of the person who
waited for you.”
Right Time: I believe that time is too precious to always be governed by a clock. Life and things happen. When I
agree to meet someone at a certain time, it is not a commitment set in stone. I agree that “punctuality is the
virtue of the bored” and that “time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” Appointments and gatherings happen
when the time is right.
Clock Time
Right Time