Abstract
In different cultures various work values determine organisational practises which in turn tend to determine effectiveness. Three cultural groups namely Japanese, White South Africans and Black South Africans are compared by means of a questionnaire determining relative emphasis on the values of individualism and gregariousness (groupism). Attitudes of the various cultures with respect to organisational practises are also measured using an attitude scale. The data are analysed by means of descriptive statistics and discriminate analysis. Results show that although basic values are the same for White South Africans and Japanese their actual hierarchical structures differ. The gregarious characteristic of the Japanese appears to be to a large extent responsible for their organisational effectiveness. Further research concerning the values of Black workers is suggested.