Cultural Value Orientations: Nature & Implications of National Differences

Abstract

This paper introduces a theory and methodology for measuring cultural values suggested by S. Schwartz. The nature of cultural values as basic elements of a culture is analyzed. Basing on empirical research conducted by the author in 84 countries of the world, eight cultural regional types are distinguished. It is also suggested that countries vary along seven scales of cultural values, i.e., Affiliation, Intellectual and Affective Autonomy, Hierarchy, Equality, Skills, and Harmony. Correlations between values and the level of socio-economic development, as well as types of economical and political systems are demonstrated.