Leader vs team member - Differences in equality and hierarchical individualism and collectivism - the context of public and private organisations

The aim of the study presented here is to identify differences in levels of individualism and equality collectivism and hierarchical individualism depending on the type of organisation and the organisational role performed. A total of 810 people took part in the study, representing organisations in the public and private sectors with different organisational roles. Participants answered questions on the scale on individualism and collectivism of equality and hierarchy (KIRH), constructed based on Singelis and Triandis' (1995) concept. The survey was conducted in May 2023 in Polish private and public organisations. A two-factor analysis of variance was used to determine differences in the level of hierarchical and equalitarian individualism and collectivism according to organisation type and organisational role in the research design of organisation type (public vs. private) x organisational role (managerial vs. employee). The research shows that the level of equality collectivism varies according to organisational role. It is higher among managers than among team members. The level of hierarchical collectivism varies according to the type of organisation and role. It is higher among team leaders in public organisations. No significant differences were found in the level of equality and hierarchical individualism between public and private organisations, as well as between managers and team members. The study confirms the existence of cultural differences between the public and private sectors and between managers and team members. The study highlights that the individual personality traits of team leaders may be as important in shaping employee behaviour as the type of organisation. The study is a pilot study.