Reflection about Hofstede’s Power Distance

On Power Distance

Overview

    Geert Hofstede describes power distance as "the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations expect and accept that power is distributed unequally" (10 minutes with, 2014). High power distance societies expect and accept power inequalities whereas low power distance societies reject and oppose power inequalities. Power distance, therefore, is not concerned with the magnitude of inequality, but rather if the inequalities are tolerated. High power distance tends to be associated with collectivist cultures, and lower power distance, individualistic ones (Ghosh, 2011). 

Similarities and Differences Between Japan and Canada

    Japanese culture is defined by higher power distance than Canada. These differences often manifest via communicative habits. For example, the expression of anger towards those with less status is perceived as acceptable in Japanese culture (Daniels & Greguras, 2014), but in Canada, this would generally be considered unacceptable and frowned upon. A plausible reason for such differences in power distance between Japan and Canada may be because of a Japanese concept known as amae, a concept contested among scholars. This refers to the notion that parent-child relationships in Japanese culture are sometimes characterized by "affective reciprocity" and a hierarchical symbiotic nature (Ghosh, 2011, p. 92). On the other hand, Canadian parent-child relations are sometimes defined by youthful rebellion in a stage of individualistic self-becoming. I am hesitant to make sweeping generalizations for either culture as examples of power distance vary depending on an array of factors.

Normative Insights

    While power distance is a descriptive concept, I would like to posit some ideas concerning its political and ethical tendencies. Firstly, power distance seems to be inherently political. High power distance societies appear more ideologically conservative, and low power distance societies appear ideologically liberal. This raises concerns about how moral justifications regarding inequalities are framed in each society, and whether these justifications lead to harmful outcomes.

    Secondly, I speculate that high power distance societies may create a false consciousness within the populace. Here, I worry that the lower and middle classes of such societies may allow such inequalities or exploitative hierarchies to reproduce themselves, as they have become convinced of their legitimacy and inevitability, regardless of the harm they may cause. In other words, even if superior alternatives are both feasible and possible, they may not be perceived as such as the populace has come to recognize the status quo as the "natural order" of things.

References

10 minutes with. (2014, November 18). 10 minutes with Geert Hofstede… on power distance 10112014 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqAJclwfyCw

Daniels, M. A., & Greguras, G. J. (2014). Exploring the nature of power distance: Implications for micro-and macro-level theories, processes, and outcomes. Journal of management, 40(5), 1202-1229.

Ghosh, A. (2011). Power distance in organizational contexts-a review of collectivist cultures. Indian Journal of Industrial Relations, 89-101.