Exercise

Obligation is harder to define as it relates to tasks, relationships, rules, responsibility to in-group members, and appears within several of the value orientations. Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner’s ‘universalism’ and ‘particularism’ will be used from this point to refer to this orientation.

Universalism

  • Rules and tasks come first, then relationships.
  • Certain absolutes apply across the board, regardless of circumstances or the situation.
  • Rules should be applied evenly to everyone in like situations.
  • There are no exceptions for in-group members.
  • Situations should be examined objectively, rationally – more neutral.
  • The unknown is minimized through rules and regulations.

Particularism

  • Relationships and process come first, then tasks.
  • How a situation is viewed depends on the circumstances.
  • The in-group is favored.
  • There are no absolutes, everything depends on the situation and who you’re dealing with.
  • Exceptions will always be made for certain people.
  • Situation are examined subjectively – more potential for emotion.
  • Members are comfortable when less rules apply.
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