Pinto

Prof. Pinto uses the terms tight and loose structures for group oriented and individualistic societies respectively. The picture on the top left clarifies this. A tight structure or a small box in the matrix equals a group-oriented culture. In such a culture the focus is on the position of the group in society and the individual person only counts as a member of the group and his/her contribution to the enhancement of the position of that group in society In a somewhat extreme way one may say that the group determines all and everything; what school you are going to, the job you may have, the woman or husband or the house you live in. In such a culture you do not want to do anything on your own, but you try as much as possible to contribute to the performance and position of the group as a whole. The individual has to meet a closely woven set of rules. Correct behaviour is required and you have little choice with regard to your personal contribution. The individual is boxed in, a tight culture, living in the group’s straitjacket.

The loose structure (wide box), representing the individualistic culture, is just the opposite. The individual person has a dream future and s/he uses other people and groups to his/her own ends. You have maximum freedom determining everything.

Pinto shows a western or individualistic bias in the thinking about the objectives of people). The illustration on the left below shows the pyramid of Maslow, representing Western thinking about the development of man. In this perception people want to satisfy their primary needs first and then move through phases of uncertainty reduction, acceptance by others, recognition of achievements and self-development. Pinto indicates that the Maslow pyramid only applies to loose structures. Tight structures also start from the fulfilment of primary needs but then continue through pleasing the group , your reputation as a member of that group and the honour of being a member of the group.