Testing the Effects of Vertical and Horizontal Collectivism

Abstract

Based on a review of the individualism-collectivism literature, a vertical dimension of collectivism is distinguished from a horizontal dimension. The vertical dimension concerns the relationship between the individual and the collective, and often includes subordination of the individual's goals to those of the collective. The horizontal dimension concerns the relationship of the individual to other individuals, and often includes conceptions of equality. A study of attitudes toward reforms to the egalitarian reward system in Chinese business enterprises found that vertical collectivists were supportive of the reform whereas horizontal collectivists were resistant to it. The study provides preliminary evidence for the validity and the usefulness of distinguishing individualism-collectivism on the vertical and the horizontal dimensions.