First, a central dimension that is measured between cultures is individualism or collectivism. Individualist societies have the tendency for "people in a given culture to value 'individual identity over group identity, individual rights over group rights, and individual achievements over group concerns" (Tubbs & Moss 317). For example, Tubbs and Moss recognizes the Unite State, Australia, Great Britain, and Canada as individualist cultures. On the other side, "collectivism has been defined as the tendency of people in a given culture to value "group identity over the individual identity, group obligations over individual rights, and in-group-oriented concerns over individual wants and desires (Tubbs & Moss 317). Also, Tubbs and Moss suggests that Brazil, China, India, and Mexico are cultures that practice collectivism. However, Dr. Hatfield proposes that there is no definite line that exists to be able to refer to each country as either collectivists or individualists. She supports this theory as she explains how in general America may be an individualist culture where Americans live life competing against one another. But, Dr. Hatfield illuminates that America is also able to apply the collectivism culture in time of need; for example, Americans rush to each others rescue when it is necessary such as, Hurricane Katrina or 9/11 (In Class Discussion).
Cultures can also be defined as high or low-context cultures. Communicating Across Cultures suggests, "high context refers to societies or groups where people have close connections over a long period of time. Many aspects of cultural behavior are not made explicit because most members know what to do and what to think from years of interaction with each other" (website). In this case a family is a good example of high context culture. On the other side, Communicating Across Cultures defines low context cultures as "societies where people tend to have many connections but of shorter duration or for some specific reason. In these societies, cultural behavior and beliefs may need to be spelled out explicitly so that those coming into the cultural environment know how to behave" (website). People will often have low contact interactions at a very large US airport.
Individualism and collectivism along with high-and-low-context cultures are two of the dimensions of intercultural communication.
website: http://www.culture-at-work.com/highlow.html
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