"I am not sure how many of you have read "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell but one chapter is devoted to this very thing. He made a distinction that US Pilots have a much higher safety record because they will aks ATC, but ultimately will take action themselves if need be, where in other cultures, they are more subordinate and wont deviate without clearance as an example.
Just some food for thought"
Malcolm Gladwell is not the person I turn to when seeking expert analysis of human behavioural factors.
If you want some other food for thought read this:
Gladwell's Stickiness Problem | Psychology Today, one of many justified criticisms of Gladwell.