What’s more important to you, following the rules, or helping out your friends?
You are in a car with a friend who is driving. The speed limit is 50kph. Your friend is doing 55kph and hits a pedestrian. You are the only witness.
You are in a car with a friend who is driving. The speed limit is 50kph. Your friend is doing 55kph and hits a pedestrian. You are the only witness.
A policeman calls on you later that day to ask you how fast the car was going. If you say 50kph there will be no consequences for your friend. If you say 55kph your friend will be in trouble.
Have a think before you read further. What would YOU do in such a circumstance??
Did you know that your culture play a large role in whether you would be prepared to protect your friend, or whether you feel your friend should face the consequences for his/her actions. In what are termed ‘universalist’ cultures the rules apply to everyone alike and should be followed at all times. The rules are there for a reason. Exceptions are frowned upon. Your friend was speeding, this is against the law, someone was hit and therefore there should be consequences. On the other hand if you are from a more ‘particularist’ society you may see the rules as a general guideline, each case should be treated individually. Your friend could be in trouble….of course you should help out if you can…...
The Netherlands is (in general) a 'universalist' country, just like many northwest European and Anglophone countries. Lying to protect someone or ‘bending the rules’ whether in a business or social context is considered corrupt. However 'particularists' take a different viewpoint; how can you trust (or do business with) a 'universalist' if they are not prepared to help someone out in times of need?
So, what would you do? And what do you think of someone who does the opposite?
Have a think before you read further. What would YOU do in such a circumstance??
Did you know that your culture play a large role in whether you would be prepared to protect your friend, or whether you feel your friend should face the consequences for his/her actions. In what are termed ‘universalist’ cultures the rules apply to everyone alike and should be followed at all times. The rules are there for a reason. Exceptions are frowned upon. Your friend was speeding, this is against the law, someone was hit and therefore there should be consequences. On the other hand if you are from a more ‘particularist’ society you may see the rules as a general guideline, each case should be treated individually. Your friend could be in trouble….of course you should help out if you can…...
The Netherlands is (in general) a 'universalist' country, just like many northwest European and Anglophone countries. Lying to protect someone or ‘bending the rules’ whether in a business or social context is considered corrupt. However 'particularists' take a different viewpoint; how can you trust (or do business with) a 'universalist' if they are not prepared to help someone out in times of need?
So, what would you do? And what do you think of someone who does the opposite?
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