A Brief Comparison Of Switzerland And The United States

In comparing Switzerland and the United States, we found that often times the two countries are very similar when it comes to the 10 dimensions of individual cultural value orientations. To start, we’ll include a comparison of similarities and differences of the countries using the dimensions, then follow up with several key insights we’ve gathered from the information we found. The first dimension is Identity: the degree to which personal identity is defined in terms of personal, individual characteristics vs. group or collective characteristics (Cultural Dimension Handout, 2014). Through our readings we found that Switzerland is similar to the U.S. in that it takes on an individualist approach to things. Both countries are organized to

Both Switzerland and the U.S. can go either way on this dimension depending on the type of relationship they are concerned with. For example, in friendships we see people being Cooperative and supportive towards one another, even if they are in a competitive environment, such as a classroom setting. On the opposing side, we do see very competitive relationships that are focused on only individual achievement and success in career and job settings. An example of communicated success instead of material success is the fact that,” Many Swiss and Swiss-based scientists have won Nobel prizes (SwissWorld, 2005). This is an achievement to be recognized on a worldly level, they are focused on helping the world, not just themselves. The Time dimension is the culture differences in time orientation, often referred to as clock time vs event time. Clock time means that the time set for something is precise and people can be punished for being late, this way of thinking is often seen in individualist cultures (Cultural Dimension Handout, 2014). This is the case in both countries being examined. In the U.S. we strongly focus things on clock time, being late to class is unacceptable, and some professors may even lock their doors as to not let people in. Being late is seen as disrespectful in both