Scale Analysis

The Triandis Individualism and Collectivism Scale is a psychometric tool designed to measure cultural values related to individualism and collectivism. It consists of statements that reflect preferences and behaviors associated either with personal independence and autonomy (individualism) or with social cohesion and group cooperation (collectivism).
Participants rate the statements using a 7-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Higher scores in individualism indicate a preference for personal achievement and independence, while higher scores in collectivism indicate a preference for group work and social harmony. This scale allows for the analysis and understanding of the impact of cultural values on individuals’ behaviors and attitudes across various social and cultural contexts.

Purpose of the Scale

The purpose of this scale is to measure and understand cultural differences in values and behaviors related to individualism and collectivism. By assessing preferences and behaviors that reflect either personal independence and autonomy or social cohesion and group cooperation, the scale enables the analysis of the degree to which individuals in different cultural contexts prefer to act as independent units or as members of a group.
This understanding is critical for the development and application of theories and strategies that take cultural diversity into account, particularly in fields such as psychology, sociology, education, and business.

Scale Calibration

The IACST-16 consists of 16 items, which are answered using the following scale:
1 = Never or Definitely no
9 = Always or Definitely yes

References

Triandis, H. C., & Gelfand, M. J. (1998). Converging measurement of horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74, 118-128.
Triandis, H. C. (2001). Individualism-collectivism and personality. Journal of Personality, 69, 907–924.