Power distance

9 important questions on Power distance

What is meant with the term power distance?

The extend to which people expect and accept that power is distributed equally or unequally i our families or at work.

Where is power distance learned?

It is learned at:
  • At home
  • At school

How are the European countries rated with the power distance?

  • Ausstria--> Very low
  • Slovakie--> very High
  • The Netherlands, Germany, Uk, Switzerland--> low
  • Belgium, Portugal--> high
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How are the countries rated in North and South America with the power distance?

  • United States and Canada--> low
  • South America --> High

How are the countries rated in Asia with power distance?


  • China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam--> high
  • Malesia and Filipine-->  very high
Asia is generally high

What are the influences of high Power Distance on the workplace?

  • Managers and employees consider their positions and power as unequal
  • As an employee you follow th boss' orders
  • You do not take your own initiative
  • You do not share your opinion with your boss
  • If you want to say something you ask for permission (often with apologies)

What are the influences of high Power Distance on leadership and decision-making ?

  • Autocratic--> the boos tellsyou what to do without much explanation
  • Pesuasive --> the boss convincingly sells the decisio made
  • Consultative--> the boss consults the employees before making the decision
  • Democratic--> the boss invites employees for discussion and prefers consensus in decision-making

What are influences of high Power Distance on the workplace?

Managers in high PD cultures rule their companies as kings:
  • Big ofices
  • Hard to approach
  • Bigger salary gaps
  • Authoritative language (tone and words)

What are influences of low PD on the workplace?

  • Managers and employees consider their role and position equally important
  • More democratic decision-thinking
    • The so-called 'polder model' in the Netherlands
  • Consultative, servant leadership
  • Critique and discussion is wellcome
  • Own initiative is appreciated
  • The door of the manager is always open

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

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