The Hofstede survey, which measures specific cultural values in countries, can be use to

compare values in countries that have been surveyed. This useful framework is
provided by Geert Hofstede, a Dutch organizational sociologist who has studied the
effects of national cultures.

The high side of this dimension, called Individualism, can be defined as a preference for
a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals are expected to take care of
themselves and their immediate families only. Its opposite, Collectivism, represents a
preference for a tightly-knit framework in society in which individuals can expect their
relatives or members of a particular in-group to look after them in exchange for
unquestioning loyalty. A societys position on this dimension is reflected in whether
peoples self-image is defined in terms of I or we.

Based on Hofstedes research, the highest Hofstede score for Australia is

Individualism at 90 compared to the low Hofstede score for Egypts Individualism at
25.

While Egypt typically might evokes images of pyramids and ancient history, those
notions don't offer insight into modern Egyptians' behavior and way of thinking. You
always can refer to travel guides, but for a more thorough understanding of Egypts
cultural traits, a sociological approach is necessary.

Unlike Western societies that put a value on individualism, Egyptian society focuses on
collectivism. An act or decision that benefits the group is better than one that benefits
the individual only. It is very common for Egyptians to live in extended families. The
emphasis always is on being a good Muslim, family member, worker and citizen. Loyalty
to the community is a highly-praised attitude.

Egypt, with a score of 25 is considered a collectivistic society. This is manifest in a

close long-term commitment to the member 'group', be that a family, extended
family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and
over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong
relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.
In collectivist societies offence leads to shame and loss of face, employer/employee
relationships are perceived in moral terms (like a family link), hiring and promotion
decisions take account of the employees in-group, management is the
management of groups.

The Individualism (IDV) index for Australia is 90, the second highest score of any
country in Hofstedes survey, behind the United States' ranking of 91. People in
Australia are encouraged to speak their minds. Independent media is the source of
information to people and people are more interested in what they can do rather
than who they are linked to.
In the business world, employees are expected to be self-reliant and display
initiative. Also, within the exchange-based world of work, hiring and promotion
decisions are based on merit or evidence of what one has done or can do.
The individuality is reinforced in Australians daily lives and must be considered
when traveling and doing business in their Country. Privacy is considered the
cultural norm and attempts at personal ingratiating may meet with rebuff. The
Geert Hofstede analysis for Australia reflects the high level of individuality
Australian's hold dear

CONCLUSION
An individualistic culture indicates that people are more direct verbal in
communication and people are logic to point out their argument in confrontation.
Australian people, for example, do not irritate to say the word no if they disagree
with someone and make negative request using verbal communication directly
when the situation discomforts them.
Meanwhile, a very low individualism score for Egypt reflects that Egyptian country is
a collectivism society. Collectivism means societies tend to sustain harmony and
face-saving through strong personal relationship and support from third party. In
addition, people in collectivist culture are more likely to avoid conflict and these
people are less insulting than people from individualistic culture. The demonstration
of the collectivism is also shown in a strong long term commitment and
responsibility for not only immediate family, but also extended family.