one of the key cultural syndromes, which reflects the degree of diversity and differentiation of cultural elements within society. According to Triandis, cultures with high complexity are characterized by a clearer and more specific role structure, an attentive attitude to time, and a strict delineation of social roles. In such cultures, roles are strictly defined and separated from a person’s personal characteristics, time is perceived as a valuable resource, and behavior is regulated by clear social norms.
In less complex cultures, by contrast, roles are more blurred, social boundaries are less clear, and time is perceived less strictly (for example, waiting for an appointment can be measured in hours or days). Also, in simple cultures, social behavior is closely related to personal characteristics and context (e.g., religion or ethnicity), while social roles are more diffuse.