Achievement Goals And Means : A Cultural Comparison

Recent research suggests that achievement-related behavior is culture specific and multifaceted. It is argued that achievement goals as well as means of achievement are oriented predominantly toward the individual in some cultures and toward the collective in others. A study was designed to examine achievement goals and means in two different cultures; one identified as individualist (consisting of a sample of 259 Anglo-Australians aged between 19 and 63) and the other identified as collectivist (consisting of 300 Sri Lankans ranging in age between 19 and 49). The results reflect an individualist orientation in preferred achievement goals among Australians, although a narrowly defined social concern is present. Sri Lankans, although predominantly more family and group oriented, also have important individual goals. In respect of preferred means for achieving goals, both groups are remarkably similar. Both seem to strongly endorse a work ethic and individual responsibility