Michele gelfand on rule makers rule breakers

Michele Gelfand is a psychologist and professor at the University of Maryland, and her book "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World" explores the concept of cultural tightness and looseness.

In the book, Gelfand argues that cultures can be categorized into two types: tight cultures and loose cultures. Tight cultures are characterized by strict rules, norms, and social expectations, while loose cultures are more relaxed and flexible.

Gelfand suggests that these cultural differences are shaped by a combination of historical, economic, and environmental factors, and that they have a profound impact on how people think, feel, and behave. In tight cultures, people are more likely to follow rules and norms, and to conform to social expectations. In loose cultures, people are more likely to take risks, challenge authority, and pursue their own goals and desires.

Gelfand also argues that these cultural differences can have significant implications for business, politics, and personal relationships. For example, in tight cultures, people may be more likely to prioritize stability and security over innovation and creativity, while in loose cultures, people may be more likely to take risks and pursue new opportunities.

Some of the key takeaways from Gelfand's book include:

  1. Cultural tightness and looseness are not fixed traits, but rather can vary across different contexts and situations.
  2. Tight cultures tend to be more collectivist, while loose cultures tend to be more individualistic.
  3. Tight cultures tend to prioritize stability and security, while loose cultures tend to prioritize freedom and autonomy.
  4. Cultural differences can have significant implications for business, politics, and personal relationships.
  5. Understanding and adapting to cultural differences can be key to success in international business and personal relationships.

Overall, "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers" is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think about the ways in which cultural differences shape our behavior and our relationships.