<P> Individualistic culture is a society which is characterized by individualism, which is the prioritization, or emphasis, of the individual over the entire group . Individualistic cultures are oriented around the self, being independent instead of identifying with a group mentality . They see each other as only loosely linked, and value personal goals over group interests . Individualistic cultures tend to have a more diverse population and are characterized with emphasis on personal achievements, and a rational assessment of both the beneficial and detrimental aspects of relationships with others . Individualistic cultures have such unique aspects of communication as being a low power - distance culture and having a low - context communication style . Highly individualistic cultures include the U.S., Australia, Great Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand . </P> <P> Power distance is defined to be the degree to which unequal distribution of power is accepted in a culture . Low power distance cultures challenge authority, encourage a reduction of power differences between management and employees, and encourage the use of power legitimately . Low power distance is more likely to occur in an individualistic culture, because in a collectivist culture, people protect the well being of the group and established order so they would be less likely to challenge authority or people in power . Even though individualistic cultures are more likely to be low power distance, these cultures don't expect to completely eliminate power difference . People within this low power distance culture, however, are more likely to respond to such imbalances in power with more negative emotional responses than in the alternative, high power distance cultures . Low power distance cultures include Austria, Israel, Denmark, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, and Sweden . The U.S. ranks 38th on the scale . </P> <P> Individualistic cultures are also more likely to have a low - context communication style . This means that communication is precise, direct, and specific . Unlike in high - context communication, reading between the lines is not necessary in low - context communication . This explicit communication is used in order to prevent any form of misunderstanding between cultures . The ability to articulate the thoughts and opinions one holds as well as to express them eloquently are encouraged, as is persuasive speaking . Low - context communication is all content and no relationship dimension . </P>

Those raised in individualistic cultures are most likely to define justice in terms of