comparative value priorities of chinese and new zealand

Direction, Universalism, Benevolence, Tradition, Conformity, and Security. These
values are purportedly found in all cultures and represent universal needs of human
existence. The theory also postulates a structure of relations amongst the value types,
based on the conflicts and compatibilities experienced when pursuing them. This
structure permits one to relate systems of value priorities, as an integrated whole, to
other variables. A values survey instrument based on the theory and suitable for crosscultural
research is described. The initial samples for assessing the theory consisted of
97 samples in 44 countries.
Schwartz’ claim of universality of his cultural motivational value dimensions does not
preclude the possibility that there are additional, dimensions unique to specific cultures.
His approach is that unique factors whilst interesting and useful in studying single
cultures would not be useful in defining a universal ethnographic system. Schwartz’
universality claim implies only that the constructs of the theory are meaningful in all the
cultures he studied; an additional assumption is that they provide a sufficiently broad, if
not necessarily comprehensive, coverage of the full range of dimensions in all cultures.
Other cultural variables, such as spirituality or intelligence, might also be the source of
cultural institutions.
Taking a more psychological view, Schwartz (1992, 1994) and his associates asserted
that the essential distinction between societal values is the motivational goal each
expresses. His model has been applied to basic areas of social behaviour, but its
application to organizational studies has been limited (Bond, 2001), and to business
organisations practically nil. A list of Schwartz’ dimensions is in Figure 3.1. The
dimensions are discussed in detail later in this chapter.
Figure 2.7. Schwartz’ Cross-Cultural and Individual value Dimensions
Openness to change
1. Self direction
2. Stimulation
3. Hedonism
Self-enhancement
4. Achievement
5. Power
74