Ubuntu as an emic belief system: A quantitative analysis of humane orientated practices

Abstract

Ubuntu is often described as African humanness, uniquely rooted in Southern African cultures and distinct from practices like performance orientation, which is typically associated with Anglo-Saxon cultures. Aim: This research aims to determine whether humane orientation, as measured in the GLOBE study, is more prevalent in indigenous African societies compared to other regions globally. Method: Data from the GLOBE study was analysed to assess the extent to which humane orientation is emic to Africa, Southern Africa, and specifically, the indigenous people of South Africa. Mean scores for humane orientation were used for comparative analyses across regions, countries and within South Africa. Results: More African countries scored higher than the world mean on humane orientation. Among the 10 regional clusters identified in the GLOBE study, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the second-highest humane orientation score. However, significant differences in humane orientation were found across Africa, indicating it is not uniformly endorsed. Within South Africa, black South Africans, more than white South Africans, perceived their society's practices as humane oriented. Discussion: The findings confirm a strong link between humane orientation and Africa, particularly when compared to the Anglo-Saxon cluster. Nonetheless, humane orientation is not exclusive to Africa and is observed in other parts of the world. Additionally, Africa itself is marked by diverse worldviews, with variations in the endorsement of humane orientation. Contribution: This research contributes empirical and quantitative evidence to support the argument that humane orientation, per proxy an essential part of Ubuntu, forms an integral part of being African. The study also provides empirical evidence of the presence of humane orientation outside Africa. Lastly, the research emphasises Africa's cultural diversity.