1. Introduction

1.1 Research background

It is well known that China and America are two most powerful countries in the world. China has undergone numerous economic changes in the last three decades. We all know that along with great changes of economy and policy, distinct opinions and different modes of lifestyles are also brought together. They interact, conflict and integrate with one another all the time.

The collectivism and individualism is the main content of cultural core value system which can indirectly effect the development of these two countries and other nations. Therefore there are numerous scholars who have learned the conflict and integration of culture between China and America. However, It is interesting to find that some things are different from book what we have learned and studies which some brilliant scholars have searched. The American people, like the people in cross-cultural communication, present very collectivistic attitudes which are distinct in doing things. So does Chinese people.

1.2 Literature review

1.2.1 Florence Kluckhohn#8217;s value orientation

Some scholars study Florence Kluckhohn#8217;s value orientation which was mentioned in his book Variations in Value Orientations in 1961. The author thinks the value orientation is complex but deterministic principles which are linked to the solution of ordinary human problems. It can be divided into human nature, relationship to nature, sense of time, activity and social relationship. The dimension of relationship includes hierarchy, group and individual. Since then lots of researchers have focused on learning individualism and collectivism.

1.2.2 Hofstede#8217;s Cultural Dimension

Hofstede concluded the four Cultural Dimension including power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism versus collectivism and masculinity versus femininity in 1980. Hofstede thinks the binary individualism and collectivism are at the opposite ends. It is not an objective fact now. Individualism refers to a society that is loosely connected to each other and people care for themselves and their core families only in such an incohesive society. In the higher individualism index countries, the parents pay more attention to the self-awareness of their children. That is why their people only care for themselves and core families when they grow up. Public and private boundaries are clear, and bluntness is encouraged. As for negligence, people almost adapt that through their personal shame regulation. They always change a new environment rather than make themselves adapt to the environment. It is a kind of ”quilt culture#8217;. On the contrary, collectivism means that the interest of the group is higher than that of the individual. In the lower individualism index countries, children are taught to observe the rule of collective consciousness which is based on existence of the group. They believe that the society will always encourage people. Adults should help others as rewards. Public and private boundaries are not very clear and people share resource as they can. As for negligence, each member will feel shameful. That is why it is called ”shame culture#8217;.