The individualism vs. collectivism dimension identifies the extent to which a culture emphasizes the individual versus the group.
Individualist cultures value hard work and promote entrepreneurial risk taking, thereby fostering invention and innovation. Although people are given freedom to focus on personal goals, they are held responsible for their actions. People in collectivist cultures, however, tend to work toward collective rather than personal goals and are responsible to the group for their actions. In turn, the group shares responsibility for the well-being of each of its members.