DIFFUSENESS OF ROLES

Diffuseness of roles and diffuseness of goals is a characteristic of relatively simple societies where people encounter each other in a variety of overlapping roles.

There is little occupational specialization and no clear separation of private and public spheres of life. People are continuously reminded of their extensive bonds with others.

Diffuseness is associated with Traditional Society and Secificity is associated with Modern Society.

Diffuseness and Specificity
In a diffuseness culture, personal contact and agreement is perceived to be valuable and therefore preferred over a contract.

Contracts are perceived to be an essential part of business procedure for specific cultures. In a specific culture, people commonly trust only the hard evidence such as a paper contract rather than a promise made by a person.

Australia is an example of a specific culture while Thailand is an example of a diffuseness culture.

The implications of this cultural orientation are that when dealing with Australian guests, it may be important to provide them with some solid evidence to confirm details of their vacation.

For example, if the resort operator were to include additional services such as a late check-out, it is likely that it would need to be provided in writing to be taken seriously.

In contrast to their Australian counterparts, Thai guests may not require written confirmation as long as someone in a high position such as a manager personally makes a promise to them.

Talcott Parsons distinguished between underdeveloped and developed countries. According to his model, which is called “pattern variables”:

Underdeveloped/Traditional countries are characterized by:
Ascription — family, ethnic, personal or political connections play a great role in promotion and in making one’s way through in the society in general
Diffuseness — different institutions, like military or religious ones play political roles.
Particularism — narrow, parochial views are widespread and dominant

Developed/Modern countries are characterized by:
Merit, achievement criteria
Specificity — groups knowing their specific roles
Universalism — broader, national views (Wiarda, 2002).

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