[Special Lecture] 

The Power of 'I' in 'We': A New Psychological Compass for Advancing Co-Prosperity 

 

Speaker : Hoon-Seok Choi, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea

 

The individualism-collectivism framework has long served as a cornerstone for understanding cross-national differences in psychology and social behavior. Despite its dominance in cross-cultural psychology, classifying nations into binary categories has faced significant challenges, as it often treats them as static, mutually exclusive categories. More critically, the binary view of individualism-collectivism fails to capture the dynamic interplay between psychological independence and communal orientation. In this talk, I will introduce the concept of collectivistic independence (Choi, 2024, 2025; Choi et al., 2018, 2019; Choi & Euh, 2019; Choi & Lee, 2024), a psychological framework that transcends the traditional dichotomy of individuals’ cultural orientation. Drawing on empirical evidence from both laboratory and field studies, I argue that individual agency and a strong sense of self-uniqueness serve as a vital catalyst for flourishing–provided they are integrated within the context of collective welfare. Specifically, I highlight how the combination of a collectivistic value orientation and an independent self-concept enhances employees' mental health by balancing the need for personal autonomy with beliefs in the primacy of collective goals. I also introduce data suggesting that this new psychological compass reduces intergroup prejudice and discrimination, fostering a more inclusive social environment. By encouraging individuals to maintain independence in self-views while remaining deeply committed to the group, this framework offers a critical pathway to communal growth. Ultimately, I propose that the harmony of the "I" within the "We" is a fundamental driver for the co-prosperity of individuals and society in an increasingly complex world.

 

Short Bio Sketch:
Hoon-Seok Choi is a Professor of Psychology and Executive Vice President at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in Seoul, Korea. He also serves as President of the Korean Psychological Association (KPA). He has published over 120 research articles and 10 books with his colleagues. His academic contributions aim to bridge cultural divides and provide a psychological compass for advancing co-prosperity. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards in Korea, including the Humanities and Social Sciences Distinguished Scholar by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Social Psychologist of Korea (inaugural) by the KSPPA, the Distinguished Research Award by the KPA, and the SKKU Fellowship.