Ricerc@Sapienza

The present research project investigates tightness-looseness as a fundamental dimension of cultural variation within the Italian context. We propose this cultural dimension to be associated with differences between North and South of Italy, respectively; and that tightness more likely rises in regions affected by natural disasters and economic crisis. Furthermore, we expect tightness-looseness to be associated with personality characteristics; specifically, tightness is expected to influence individuals¿ prevention focus and need for closure, and looseness to influence promotion focus. We also predict that when a person¿s personality (i.e., NFC and Prevention focus) matches the prevalent dimension of one¿s culture (i.e., Tightness), culture functions as an important amplifier of the positive effect of personality on subjective well-being at the individual level.
We further propose that variations in tightness-looseness in the larger society influence cultural differences within workplace organizations. We also argue that societal tightness-looseness effects on organizational culture reflect the economic situations (i.e. crisis) so that tightness is more pronounced under organizational crisis. Moreover, as organizational leaders influence the organizational culture we also expect that the autocratic leadership style will positively influence the degree of tightness present in the organization. Last, we expect a person-organization culture (and a person-leader) match hypothesis, predicting a positive effect of the fit between employee NFC and organizational culture and between employee NFC and leader style on employee performance and well-being.
By integrating theories at various levels of analysis (cultural, organizational and individual levels), the present research project would have innovative theoretical insights for understanding dimensions producing cultural differences in the Italian context and their influence on workplace organizations and individuals.