6. Humane Orientation

"Humane orientation" is defined as "the degree to which an organization or society encourages and rewards individuals for being fair, altruistic, friendly, generous, caring, and kind to others" (House et al, 2004,p. 569). The characteristics of societies that have high and low humane orientation include the following (based on House et al, 2004,Table 18.1, p. 570):

HIGH HUMANE ORIENTATION societies have characteristics such as...

• The interests of others are important.
• People are motivated primarily by a need for belonging and affiliation.
• Members of society are responsible for promoting the well-being of others.
• Child labor is limited by public sanctions.
• People are urged to be sensitive to all forms of racial discrimination.

LOW HUMANE ORIENTATION societies have characteristics such as...

• One's own self-interest is important.
• People are motivated primarily by a need for power and material possessions.
• The state provides social and economic support for individuals' well-being.
• Child labor is an issue of low importance.
• People are not sensitive to all forms of racial discrimination.