Individualism v/s Collectivism

Why do people join group? Human being is social animal. The answer lies behind the human being mind set to discover oneself, to be a part of something and to go beyond what he is. People lived life in solitude have either possessed super natural powers or they experienced the harmful affects like madness, illusions, memory loss.
The group behavior could be categorized in two worldviews: Individualism and Collectivism. All the people you find around could belong one of these categories or they may show one of the above characteristics at a particular situation. Individualistic could be termed as “I” or “Me” while collectivism as “We”. Individualist or Idiosyncratic theory revolves round the benefit of oneself before the group while the Collectivist theory put the group’s goal on priority.

World of Individuals
Everyone in this world in unique and in my opinion, whole world is just full of individualist. But if it so, then why a person sacrifice his interest for a group or society. Why shouldn’t he always do what he wants to do? Well, the answer lies behind the benefit the individual reaps by putting himself into social/group norms. Hence, it’s a trade-off between individualist and collectivist.  An example of it is that many people do not want to marry, or spouse does not want to conceive a child but just to conform to the society principles, these individualists do these against their will and in the result they reap benefit of affiliation, social status, power, and respect from society. Hence, unknowingly the individualist for their benefits shows collectivist behavior. This is how society works as Collectivist from Individualist. Coming to myself, even I believe I am an Individualist with Collectivist compromise with society. :P

Human Psychology
Most people prefer not to admit their faults, limitations. People readily embrace +ve feedback, but they question comments that are critical, they make mistakes they blame external factors but when they succeed they quickly claim credit.

One very important fact is about social comparison and social support. It has been found out that Misery Loves Company, Miserly Loves Miserable or More Miserable Company, Embarrassed Miserly Avoids Company. I could relate it with my real life examples: I met with an accident thrice, got fractures and hospitalized. The misery it brought me to lead me to keep searching for people like me with whom I may discuss, share my misery. It used to give an ultimate satisfaction. Even today if I find someone is some kindda same situations, I can easily empathize.

Leadership

As people have different minds, it’s important for a leader that he must understand the individualist and collectivist behaviors of people and act accordingly. As people do not like critics, leaders should always try to give positive feedback for improving people rather than criticizing them. Recognize their achievements and bring open and conducive environment so people even admit their mistakes.