9. Assertiveness

"Assertiveness" is "the degree to which individuals are assertive, confrontational, and aggressive in their relationships with others" (House et al, p. 30). Some of the characteristics of societies that have high and low assertiveness (based on House et al, 2004,Table 15.1, p. 405):

HIGH ASSERTIVENESS societies have characteristics such as...

• Value competition, success, and progress. 
• Communicate directly and unambiguously.
• Try to have control over the environment.
• Expect subordinates to take initiative.
• Build trust on basis of calculation.

LOW ASSERTIVENESS societies have characteristics such as...

• Value cooperation and warm relationships.
• Communicate indirectly; try to "save face."
• Try to be in harmony with the environment.
• Expect subordinates to be loyal.
• Build trust on basis of predictability.