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Power distance

Power distance is defined by Hofstede as ‘the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally’. In nations with a low power distance, such as the United Kingdom, inequalities among people will tend to be minimised, decentralisation of activities is more likely, subordinates will expect to be consulted by superiors, and privileges and status symbols are less evident. In high power-distance nations, conversely, inequalities among people are considered desirable, there is greater reliance by the less powerful on those who hold power, centralisation is more normal, and subordinates are likely to be separated from their bosses by wide differentials in salary, privileges and status symbols.