The Reliance dimension measures the individual’s beliefs related to the level of independence of people in the group from the rest of the organization or their external environment in order to achieve their goals and tasks. Two extremes anchor the continuum — Dependent on the left, Independent on the right — and every respondent sits somewhere between them.
Dependent
The left extreme (dependent) characterizes individuals who believe their ability to achieve their goals and objectives is dependent on external forces that are beyond their realm of control. These individuals feel that they continuously have to work around obstacles in their environment in order to achieve results.
They place a high value on the support they may or may not get from others in order to be successful. These individuals tend to attribute their success or failure to their ability to obtain external support, and tend to deflect responsibility onto factors that are controlled by someone else.
Independent
The right extreme (independent) characterizes individuals who believe they must manage or control everything that affects their ability to achieve their goals and objectives. This includes working with other people within their group and managing the complexities of their environment.
These individuals believe that it is their responsibility to navigate obstacles and drive expected results, regardless of the external forces that can work against them.
Reading the extremes
Neither pole is right or wrong. Dependent cultures build strong networks of mutual support and are quick to acknowledge shared context; independent cultures build strong personal accountability and are quick to take ownership. Confused for one another, they read as either irresponsibility or arrogance.