International Human Resource Management-MJ Version

158 International Human Resource Management

Sample items from Maznevski and DiStefano’s measurement of Value Orientations

Activity

Doing • People should work hard and sacrifice enjoyment to
accomplish important things.
Being • Decisions should be based more on how people affected
will feel about them, rather than on immediate
practical concerns.
Thinking • Decisions should be made based on analysis, not intuition
or emotional feelings.

Relationship

Individualism • People are expected to give priority to their needs
over those of others.
Collectivism • The interests of the group take priority over the interests
of any individual within the group.
Hierarchy • People at higher levels should make significant decisions
for people below them.

Human nature

Good • People only do bad things when they have no other choice.
Evil • It is hard for people to be good.
Changeability • Whether people are good or bad depends on their
environment and experiences.

Environment

Mastery • People can fix almost any problem they face if they use
the right methods.
Harmony • Good performance comes from a perfect fit between the
organization and its environment.
Subjugation • People should realize they do not have control over
events in their lives.

Time

Past • People should take into account the past when making
decisions about the future.
Present • People should maintain a focus on today and the near
future.
Future • People should always look ahead rather than worry
about today or yesterday.

Source: Maznevski and DiStefano 2000 version of the Cultural Perspective Questionnaire

TABLE 6.7