The Uncertainty Avoidance Societal Norm

Low UAI

• The uncertainty inherent in life is more easily accepted and each day is taken as it comes.

•         Ease, lower stress.

•         Time is free.

•         Hard work is not a virtue per se.

•         Weaker superegos.

•         Aggressive behavior is frowned upon.

•         Less showing of emotions.

•         Conflict and competition can be contained on the level of fair play and used constructively.

•         More acceptance of dissent.

•         Deviance is not felt as threatening; greater tolerance.

•         Less nationalism.

•         More positive toward younger people.

•         Less conservatism.

•         More willingness to take risks in life.

•         Achievement determined in terms of recognition.

•         Relativism, empiricism.

•         There should be as few rules as possible.

•         If rules cannot be kept, we should change them.

•         Belief in generalists and common sense.

•         The authorities are there to serve the citizens.

High UAI

•         The uncertainty inherent in life is felt as a continuous threat that must be fought.

•         Higher anxiety and stress.

•         Time is money.

•         Inner urge to work hard.

•         Strong superegos.

•         Aggressive behavior of self and others is accepted.

•         More showing of emotions.

•         Conflict and competition can unleash aggression and should therefore be avoided.

•         Strong need for consensus.

•         Deviant persons and ideas are dangerous; intolerance.

•         Nationalism.

•         Younger people are suspect.

•         Conservatism, law and order.

•         Concern with security in life.

•         Achievement defined in terms of security.

•         Search for ultimate, absolute truths and values.

•         Need for written rules and regulations.

•         If rules cannot be kept, we are sinners and should repent.

•         Belief in experts and their knowledge.

•         Ordinary citizens are incompetent versus the authorities.