Achievement vs. Ascription

Definition

Achievement vs. ascription refers to a cultural dimension that distinguishes societies based on how they attribute status and value to individuals. In achievement-oriented cultures, status is earned through individual accomplishments and skills, while in ascription-oriented cultures, status is granted based on inherent attributes like family background, age, or education. This concept is crucial for understanding how different cultures perceive success and how it influences social interactions and organizational behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Achievement-oriented cultures tend to emphasize personal responsibility, competition, and innovation as pathways to success.
2. Ascription-oriented cultures often value tradition and loyalty, where family ties and social networks play a significant role in determining one’s opportunities.
3. In mixed cultures, elements of both achievement and ascription can coexist, influencing how people navigate personal and professional relationships.
4. Countries like the United States are typically seen as achievement-oriented, whereas places like Japan may exhibit more ascriptive traits in their social structures.
5. Understanding the balance between achievement and ascription can help international consultants tailor their strategies when working with diverse businesses.

Review Questions

• How do achievement and ascription influence individual motivations within different cultural contexts?
  • In achievement-oriented cultures, individuals are motivated by personal goals and the desire to prove themselves through their accomplishments. This drive leads to behaviors that promote competition and innovation. Conversely, in ascription-oriented cultures, motivations are often tied to maintaining family honor or social status, with individuals feeling pressure to conform to traditional expectations rather than pursuing individual aspirations. This difference significantly shapes workplace dynamics and personal relationships across cultures.
• Compare how organizations in achievement-oriented cultures may differ from those in ascription-oriented cultures in terms of recruitment and promotion practices.
  • Organizations in achievement-oriented cultures typically focus on skills, experience, and performance metrics when recruiting and promoting employees. This meritocratic approach values individual accomplishments. In contrast, organizations in ascription-oriented cultures may prioritize candidates based on family connections or social status, leading to promotions that are influenced more by lineage than by merit. This can result in less flexibility and innovation within ascriptive organizations due to the emphasis on hierarchy over capability.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on the balance between achievement and ascription in different cultural settings.
  • Globalization has created complex interactions between achievement and ascription across various cultures. As businesses expand internationally, they often bring merit-based practices into traditionally ascriptive societies, challenging established norms. Conversely, ascription-based values may influence multinational corporations operating in achievement-focused environments by promoting group harmony over individual competition. This tension can lead to conflicts in management styles and employee expectations, requiring careful navigation by international consultants to create effective workplace environments.

Related terms

Meritocracy: A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement, often associated with achievement-oriented cultures.

Social Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on various factors, such as wealth, education, and power, often influenced by ascription.

Cultural Values: The core principles and ideals upon which an entire community exists, shaping behaviors and beliefs within both achievement and ascription contexts.