Dimensionality of individualism-collectivism and measurement equivalence of triandis and gelfand's scale

Abstract

Despite researchers' strong interest in individualism and collectivism (I-C), the conceptualization and measurement of I-C constructs remain controversial. Through a cross-cultural study, the present research examines the dimensionality of I-C and tests equivalence of a measurement scale recently developed by Triandis and Gelfand. Through confirmatory factor analyses, the authors find that conceiving I-C as separate constructs with multiple dimensions is superior and better fits the data. The measurement scale developed based on such a conceptualization is found warrantable although refinements can be made. The results suggest a need for future research on further testing the dimensionality and measurement of the individualism and collectivism scale. © Springer Science+Business, LCC 2007.