Power distance is an index that measures the distribution of power and its effect on individuals in various societies and cultures. This corresponds with the notion of lower-ranking people accepting and expecting that power is distributed unequally. High power distance cultures are very deferential to authority and accept an unequal balance of power. Conversely, low power distance cultures often question authority and expect to participate in decisions that affect them.
Looking at different nations and how their cultures value different things, we can see this concept unfold. Asian countries are considered to have high power distance, because their cultural norms are very collectivistic, and therefore believe that power and social hierarchy are facts of life. In such cultures, people are taught that they are unequal - consciously or unconsciously - and social hierarchy then institutionalizes such inequality.
Politics is usually centralized and opposition to authority is undesirable. Nations who value individualism, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, tend to have lower power distance since they see others as more equal. These nations believe in independence, equal rights, approachable leaders, that the chain of command should only be for convenience, and that supervision should facilitate and empower. In low power distance societies, power is typically decentralized, such as through a democracy, and leaders often consult the advice of their subordinates. First names are commonly used, even with superiors, and communication is direct and two-way.
Politics is usually centralized and opposition to authority is undesirable. Nations who value individualism, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, tend to have lower power distance since they see others as more equal. These nations believe in independence, equal rights, approachable leaders, that the chain of command should only be for convenience, and that supervision should facilitate and empower. In low power distance societies, power is typically decentralized, such as through a democracy, and leaders often consult the advice of their subordinates. First names are commonly used, even with superiors, and communication is direct and two-way.
This cultural difference is also seen in the amount of respect given to foreign diplomats. For example, emissaries and ambassadors might be ceremoniously welcomed in high power distance countries (because they perceive the diplomat as having high-appointed status) while only being casually welcomed in countries of lower power distance.
Additionally, power distance equally applies in the context of business. In psychology and sociology, power distance is predominately used in management and how people perceive management. A high power distance culture believes that the relationship between a boss and a subordinate is that of dependence. Bosses are seen with prestige and therefore expected to resolve disputes as well as make important decisions. Leaders are expected to be autocratic and to instruct their subordinates on what to do.
On the other hand, a low power distance culture would view that same relationship as one of interdependence.Employees have a preference for consultation, and they will quite readily approach and contradict their bosses. Leaders actually encourage independent thought and contributions to problem-solving and therefore provide their employees with a certain level of autonomy (within reason). As a result of cultural differences, the index of power distance is an extremely useful tool when looking at cross-cultural management or international marketing. A manager who wants to broker a deal with a foreigner needs to be courteous of the other person's customs, such how to shake their hand and how long they should look someone in the eyes while speaking. Also, if a manager purchases a foreign company, they need to be aware of how the employees expect to be treated in order to optimally operate.
Finally, power distribution can vary within families across cultures. For example, power distance in the context of a family can refer to how much responsibility and autonomy is given or expected of children. Simply put, it can be seen in how much a parent treats a child as a child - in need of constraint or structure - or as an individual who is mature enough to start doing things for themselves. For example, in American culture, a child's safety when home alone or out in a park is highly stressed and, as a result, parents often desire to provide a babysitter or adult supervision. However, in Europe, it is not uncommon for parents to allow their children of age 12 to go play outside with friends or kids around age 14 to be sent out buy groceries.
All in all, power distance is a very important sociological and psychological tool that can be used to compare different social and cultural values. Understanding differences in culture are becoming more and more important, especially now that we live in a very interconnected world. How one views others in power relationships will affect how that person will act in business negotiations, as managers, leaders, and employees. This phenomenon is vitally important with regards to social conformity because we can observe how other societies define individuals and structure themselves.
All in all, power distance is a very important sociological and psychological tool that can be used to compare different social and cultural values. Understanding differences in culture are becoming more and more important, especially now that we live in a very interconnected world. How one views others in power relationships will affect how that person will act in business negotiations, as managers, leaders, and employees. This phenomenon is vitally important with regards to social conformity because we can observe how other societies define individuals and structure themselves.
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