Large or high power distance

The definition says that in a culture with a large power distance, people see it as normal that people are NOT equal. In other words, there is a hierarchy in society, and that is accepted. In such a high power distance society, people will accept that "everybody has a place." Differences in power and status are accepted. Hierarchy is seen as something normal.

Small or low power distance

In countries (cultures) with a low power distance, individuals expect power to be distributed equally. If someone has more power, there should be a very good and 'objective' explanation for that. Because the principle in such societies is that people are all equal. If people in some positions have more power, it should be possible for all people to hold or acquire this position. Another way to say that a country has a low power distance score is to say that they are 'egalitarian.'

How do the countries score according to Geert Hofstede?

In the table below, you can see how the countries score on the dimension 'power distance' by Geert Hofstede: 

As you can see, the Netherlands, Germany, and Lithuania score low on power distance, and in Russia and the Philippines, inequality is more accepted.

Power distance, (in)formality, hierarchy

Some people may be surprised that the power distance score of Germany is about the same (even a little lower) than for the Netherlands. Many people will feel that hierarchy in Germany is more present, and relationships at work can be somewhat more formal. Hierarchy and power distance are not exactly the same. In Germany, it is 'normal' to take into account the interests of people at all levels. Consensus is important. Formality is another thing. You can be more formal in organizations but still view people as basically equal.

In countries with a low power distance (egalitarian countries), there can still be situations that hierarchy is seen as normal because it is functional. An example is the army. Also, in the maritime industry, hierarchy is seen as practical. But people from a low power distance culture will have a different interpretation of HOW people are different if they have different ranks.

More (very) low power distance countries

Besides the countries mentioned above, some (very) low power distance countries are:

• the United States of America (think about 'the American dream': everybody can become rich and famous, whatever their background)
• Austria
• Israel
• Scandinavian countries

More countries with a (very) high power distance score

• Arab countries
• China
• Guatemala
• India
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Serbia
• Venezuela

Where do you see power distance?

If power distances are low or high, you will see that in many places. You will see it in relationships between parents and children, for instance. Or at schools (pupil-teacher). You will see it in politics. Of course, you will see it in organizations.

Individualism and collectivism

Countries with a low power distance (egalitarian countries) are often more individualistic. Countries with a high power distance are often more group-oriented.

Participation

In the situation above, we see that crew members from high power distance countries don't see involvement as 'normal.' They expect a leader to... take the lead. We will speak about this later on in this course. In egalitarian (often also individualistic) countries, everybody wants to have a say in things. It is not unusual for people of whatever position to participate in conversations. People will have opinions and are willing to share them.