Power Distance

Definition Low power distance / High power distance Comparison between these following countries: France / Germany / UK / Senegal Conclusion

Definition: "Power distance is the extent to which less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally“, according to Hofstede.      

Power distance describes also the extent to which employees accept that superiors have more power than they have.

Low power distance culture High power Distance culture Minimize inequalities between people Inequalities and hierarchy are accepted between people Boss and employees treat one another as equals + equals rights Employees respect managers and managers expect obedience Decentralisation of the power Centralisation of the power - Subordinates expect to be consulted / - Boss expect initiatives from employees - Subordinates expect to be told what to do / - Boss is expected to take all the initiatives The ideal boss is a democrat The ideal boss is an autocrat People disapprove of status Privileges for managers are expected Less formal social interaction Formal social interaction Narrow range of salaries Wide range of salaries

http://www. clearlycultural http://www.clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-cultural-dimensions/power-distance-index/

Comparison between these four countries : FRANCE (68) GERMANY (35) UK (35) SENEGAL (77)

FRANCE High power distance (68) Usually address each other as « vous » Formal relationships Importance of degrees and qualifications (grandes écoles) Decisions are made by those with power and status

GERMANY Low power distance culture (35) : Hierarchy is used just for work sharing and for making final decisions.

The UK Low power distance (35) Usually use surnames Strong power delegation Informal relationships More initiatives from employers Work experience and personal achievements are more important than degrees Status is based on professional know-how

SENEGAL High power distance culture (77) : « Old people do never lie, they do mistakes and mistakes are done by everybody » Hierarchy is not only linked to status of people, but also to their age.

Different points of views between France & Senegal on these following points : Polygamy Homosexuality