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What is your power distance?

by Sharifah Hamzah

Recently, I attended an interesting seminar on a concept called power distance. Power distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.

This dimension focuses on how a society deals with levels of status or social power and how much they perceive such status as right or wrong, or fair or unfair.

Power distance strongly affects the way we conduct ourselves in business, political and social spheres. Studies on this subject show that countries which have high power distance include Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and India. The United States

has medium to low power distance and Austria and Denmark have the lowest power distance in the world.

People or cultures with high power distance believe that inequality is a fact of life and those in power have privileges, while low power distance people believe that everybody has equal rights and privileges are frowned upon. Thus in low power distance cultures,

People are more prepared to trust one another whereas in high power distance countries,

there is suspicion or mistrust that others want your power.

In the working sphere, high power distance cultures believe that “ superiors/subordinates are different to you and me, and subordinates expect to be told. On the other hand, those with low power distance believe that “superiors/subordinates are people just like me, and subordinates expect to be consulted.

With globalisation, understanding power distance has become an important communication tool. It enables a better understanding when working with people of different nationalities or origins.

The issue becomes more complex and interesting as many of us have lived and worked in Malaysia and/or Singapore (countries with high power distance) and are now living our lives in the US – a home where most Americans believe that they are just as good as the next person. How we reconcile such different set of attitudes?

From my observations, I think most of us have managed to negotiate them rather

well. And I have also noticed the interesting phenomenon of Malaysians/Singaporeans reverting to high power distance attitudes when they are among themselves than when they are among people of different cultures!

Ultimately, the experts point that power distance is not a “good or bad”

judgement”, and it is up to each individual to choose the manner you want to communicate and see the world.

To gauge your own power distance, ask yourself these questions: Hoe do you view power? Do you presume that all men and women are created equal? Do you like a team approach where everyone’s input is equal or do you like someone to be in charge and give directions?

 

 

 

 

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New Blog For Everyone

Hi my name is Dennis and I started this Blog as a way to provide a voice to anyone who wants to exercise their gift or talent to express themselves.

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