Power Distance

Refers to how cultures differ in the extent to

which they view status inequality.

Hofstede refers to these variations as the

power distance index (PDI). PDI reflects the
degree to which the culture believes that
institutional and organizational power should
be distributed unequally and the decisions of
the power holders should be challenged or
accepted.
Countries with Low PDIs:
For example,
Austria
Denmark
Israel
New Zealand

They believe in:

(a) the importance of minimizing social or class
inequalities,
(b) questioning or challenging authority figures,
(c) reducing hierarchical organizational structures.
Countries with High PDIs:
For example,
India
Mexico
Philippines
Venezuela

They believe in a social order in which each person

has a rightful and protected place, the actions of
authorities should not be challenged and questioned
(except when pushed to the brink, eg. people power
in Philippines), hierarchy is appropriate and
beneficial.
Predictors of Power Distance
Climate

This is measured by geographical latitude.

Cultures that live in high-latitude climates that are
far from the equator, and therefore have moderate
to cold climates, tend to have low PDI scores.
Cultures that live in low-latitude climates that are
near the equator, and therefore have tropical or
sub-tropical climates, tend to have high PDI
scores.
Explanation: In colder and more extreme
climates, human survival requires more
protection against the hardships of nature.
Consequently, survival can only occur if the
culture can develop solutions that counteract the
extreme forces of nature.
The need for solutions to its climatic
problems predisposes the culture to seek
innovative answers to its problems which in
turn leads to modernization, independent
thinking, technological innovations,
decentralization or political power and a
general questioning of authority.
Predictors of Power Distance
Population Size
The larger the culture, the greater power distance
there is as the size of any social group increases, it
must inevitably develop additional rules and
formal procedures for coping with the increased
complexities that arise. Large social groups will
require more centralized concentrations of
political power to function effectively. Therefore,
a political hierarchy that is more distant, more
impersonable and less accessible is created.
Predictors of Power Distance
Wealth
Hofstede suggests that it is the distribution
of wealth rather than the amount of wealth
that best predicts power distance. The more
unequally wealth is distributed within a
culture, the greater the cultures power
distance.
Predictors of Power Distance
Occupation

Doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. are

perceived to have powerful careers.
Predictors of Power Distance
Education

Hofstede: The more education, the lower

the PDI.
Consequences of Power Distance
Evident in:
family customs

organizational practices

political authority

student teacher