Mechanism of Multiple-factors Influencing Responses to Accusation by People of Japan, Korea and the United States

The present study investigated how culture, situation, interpersonal factors (i.e., power distance), and intrapersonal factors (i.e., gender and life position as a personality trait) interactively influenced responses toward accusers. A total of 785 students from Japan, Korea, and the United States selected one of five alternatives of responses toward accusation presented in scenarios, and completed the Egogram Check List for measuring life position. Decision tree analysis revealed a hierarchy which includes all six factors. The situational factor was crucial for predicting responses, and mechanisms of the other factors did not show an influence, unless the condition of the situational factor was set. Furthermore, although culture and interpersonal factors had consistent influences on responses, intrapersonal factors appeared only among Japanese respondents.