Indian cultural values and economic development: an exploratory study
| Published date | 01 February 2012 |
| Date | 01 February 2012 |
| Pages | 194-201 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20425961211247798 |
| Author | Beverlee B. Anderson |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management |
Indian cultural values and
economic development: an
exploratory study
Beverlee B. Anderson
College of Business Administration, California State University San Marcos,
San Marcos, California, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore linkages between Confucian-based Asian cultural
values and Michael Porter’s model of national competitiveness. The cultural values of Indian students
are compared with Asian American students’ cultural values, to explore alignment with economic
growth and development factors.
Design/methodology/approach – Relationships between culture and economic development are
conceptualized based on previous research and literature. Using an Asian Cultural Values Scale,
Indian students enrolled in a Master’s of International Business program were surveyed. These data
are compared with data collected from Asian American college students on the same items. The results
are interpreted based on conceptualized relationships.
Findings – Indian students tend to exhibit greater conformity, emotional self-control and collectivism
values while Asian American students tend to place greater value on family recognition through
achievement. The Indian student values appear to align more with the synthesis model of business
development, while Asian American student values focus on success.
Research limitations/implications – There is a small sample size of 69 in India.
Originality/value – This is the first study that assesses Indian student orientation toward Asian
values compared with those of Asian Americans. The relationship of values and sustainable economic
development is explored.
Keywords India, United States of America, Economic development, Students, National cultures,
Asian values
Paper type Research pap er
1. Introduction and background
As Fukuyama (2001) wrote, “the biggest challenge [y] is to find a way to incorporate
cultural factors into theoretical and empirical models [y] in us e by economists.” He
and others understand that, while controversial, culture plays an important role in
exchange, savings, and investing, which are fundamental to economic development.
According to Fukuyama, culture impacts economic behavior in “at least four ways:
through organization and production; through attitudes toward consuming and work;
through the abilities to create and manage institutions; and through the creation
of social network” (Fukuyama, 2001, pp. 3132-4). Through each of these, economic
development can be promoted or inhibited and the sustainability of the development is
also greatly impacted by values.
Hofstede and Bond (1988) wrote about the connection between Confucius cultural
roots and economic growth. Their research found that uncertainty-avoidance –
a society’s search for truth is uniquely western, while Confucian dynamism, a society’s
search for virtue, and was uniquely eastern/Asian in focus. They further argue that
while the search for truth and analytical thinking served the West well during the
recent centuries by leading to discoveries that could be exploited to serve society,
in the late twentieth century, management and government are based on the art
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5961.htm
World Journal of Entrepreneurship,
Management and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 8 No. 2/3, 2012
pp. 194-201
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
2042-5961
DOI 10.1108/20425961211247798
194
WJEMSD
8,2/3
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