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.