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Cross-cultural differences in relationship- and group-based trust.
Masaki Yuki1, William W Maddux, Marilynn B Brewer
1Department of Behavioral Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan. myuki@let.hokudai.ac.jp
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|December 3, 2004
Summary
Americans trust based on shared categories, while Japanese trust based on interpersonal links. This study reveals cultural differences in depersonalized trust, impacting group dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Depersonalized trust, crucial for intergroup interactions, varies across cultures.
- Western and Eastern cultures may exhibit distinct group behavior foundations.
- Understanding these differences is key to effective cross-cultural collaboration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cultural variations in depersonalized trust between Americans and Japanese.
- To test the hypothesis that Americans rely on category memberships, while Japanese rely on interpersonal links for trust.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted, including a questionnaire study and an online money allocation game.
- Participants' trust levels were assessed based on ingroup/outgroup status and potential relationship links.
Main Results:
- Americans showed higher trust towards ingroup members compared to outgroup members.
- Japanese participants demonstrated increased trust for outgroup members when indirect relationship links were present.
- The influence of indirect links on trust was more pronounced for Japanese than Americans.
Conclusions:
- Cultural frameworks significantly shape the basis of depersonalized trust.
- Findings highlight distinct trust-building mechanisms in American and Japanese societies.
- Implications for intergroup relations and cross-cultural understanding are significant.