10 minutes with Geert Hofstede... on Power Distance 10112014

Summary

This script explores the concept of power distance, first introduced by Dutch psychologist Mark Bu, as a cultural dimension reflecting the acceptance of unequal power distribution in societies. It contrasts large and small power distance societies, highlighting differences in values, behaviors, and societal structures. The Power Distance Index (PDI) measures these societal differences on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater inequality. The script also discusses the correlation of PDI with various societal phenomena, such as income inequality and political systems, and notes a gradual shift towards smaller power distances over generations, while maintaining country-specific positions.

Takeaways

• 📚 The term 'power distance' was first used by Dutch social psychologist Mark Bu in the 1960s to describe societal power relations.
• 🌐 Power distance index (PDI) measures the extent to which less powerful members of institutions accept power inequality in society.
• 👶 Power distance is ingrained in societies through the relationship dynamics between children and their parents.
• 🌈 The script contrasts 'large power distance' societies, where inequality is considered normal, with 'small power distance' societies, where inequality is seen as wrong and should be reduced.
• 🧐 In large power distance societies, superiors are seen as inherently superior beings, unlike in small power distance societies where hierarchy is seen as necessary but not inherently superior.
• 🏛 Power in large power distance societies is seen as determining what is good and evil, while in small power distance societies, power is expected to be used legitimately under the same legal framework.
• 👨‍👧 Respect is a key learning for children in large power distance societies, whereas independence is emphasized in small power distance societies.
• 🏢 Large power distance societies prefer centralization, while small power distance societies favor decentralization.
• 💼 In large power distance societies, subordinates expect to be told what to do, whereas in small power distance societies, they expect to be consulted.
• 📊 PDI is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater power distance and lower scores indicating less power distance.
• 🔄 The script suggests that while there is a slight shift towards smaller power distances over time, the relative positions of countries remain stable, indicating the enduring nature of these cultural traits.

Q & A

Who first used the term 'power distance'?

The term 'power distance' was first used in the 1960s by a Dutch social psychologist named Mark Bu.

What is the definition of power distance according to the script?

Power distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.

How does power distance manifest in societal relationships?

Power distance is present in the relationship between children and parents, where children learn a position towards their parents and other older people in their environment.

What is the difference between large power distance and small power distance societies?

In large power distance societies, inequality is considered a normal part of society, and superiors are seen as superior beings. In contrast, in small power distance societies, inequality is seen as wrong and should be reduced if possible, and hierarchies are seen as necessary for order but do not imply superiority of the superiors.

How does power distance affect the perception of good and evil in a society?

In large power distance societies, power comes first, and good and evil come afterwards, meaning who has power determines what is considered good or evil. In small power distance societies, power should be used legitimately, and everyone is under the same rules of law.

What is the role of respect in the education of children in large power distance societies?

In large power distance societies, respect is one of the most important things a child can learn, emphasizing the importance of hierarchy and obedience.

How does power distance influence the organization of societies?

Large power distance societies tend to favor centralization, while small power distance societies prefer decentralization.

What is the typical relationship between subordinates and their boss in large power distance societies?

In large power distance societies, subordinates expect to be told what to do by their bosses, reflecting a more directive leadership style.

How is societal power distance measured?

Societal power distance is measured by an index called the Power Distance Index (PDI), which is plotted on a scale from 0 to 100, with scores close to zero indicating smaller power distance and scores close to 100 indicating larger power distance.

How do power distance index scores correlate with societal phenomena?

High PDI scores correlate with more income inequality, smaller middle class, and higher likelihood of dictatorships or oligarchies. Low PDI scores correlate with less income inequality, larger middle class, and more peaceful conflict resolution.

Do power distance index scores change over time?

While there can be a shift towards smaller power distances over time, the relative position of countries to each other remains largely the same, indicating that these scores are relatively stable over time.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Power Distance in Society: Definition and Cultural Impact

This paragraph introduces the concept of power distance, a cultural dimension first used by Dutch psychologist Mark Bu in the 1960s. It defines power distance as the extent to which less powerful members of institutions accept unequal power distribution. The speaker contrasts large power distance societies, where inequality is normalized, with small power distance societies, which view inequality as problematic. The influence of power distance is evident in various societal aspects, including the relationship between children and parents, the perception of authority, and the approach to education and innovation. Large power distance societies tend to favor centralization and hierarchical roles, whereas small power distance societies value decentralization and consultation in decision-making. The paragraph also touches on the measurement of power distance through the Power Distance Index (PDI), which is plotted on a scale from 0 to 100.

05:03

📊 Power Distance Index (PDI): Comparative Analysis and Validation

The speaker presents a table comparing the PDI scores of various countries, highlighting the higher power distance countries like Russia, Mexico, China, and some Arab countries, and the lower power distance countries including the United States, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The paragraph delves into the validation of PDI scores through statistical correlation with societal phenomena, such as income inequality, the size of the middle class, political systems, and the propensity for violence or peaceful conflict resolution. It also discusses the correlation between PDI and the age of business executives, innovation frequency, and the method of political system change, suggesting that large power distance societies are more likely to experience revolutions, while low power distance societies evolve more gradually. The speaker raises the question of whether these scores change over time, indicating that while there may be a slight shift towards smaller power distances, the relative positions of countries remain consistent.

10:03

🕰 Stability and Change in Power Distance Over Generations

This paragraph discusses the stability of power distance scores over time, emphasizing that these values are deeply ingrained from childhood and rarely change throughout a person's life. It references research by a professor from Kronan University, who compared responses from two generations, 30 years apart, and found a slight shift towards smaller power distances. However, the relative positions of countries have remained the same, indicating a collective movement. The speaker suggests that these scores are rooted in historical differences and are likely to remain stable, as they are part of the cultural fabric passed down through generations.

Keywords

💡Power Distance

Power Distance refers to the extent to which less powerful members of a society accept that power is distributed unequally. In the video, it is defined as a cultural dimension that influences societal structures and behaviors, with examples given of how it affects the relationship between children and parents, and the expectations of subordinates in the workplace.

💡Societal Culture

Societal Culture encompasses the values, norms, and behaviors that characterize a society. The video discusses how power distance is a dimension of societal culture, shaping the dynamics of power and hierarchy within different national societies.

💡Power Relations

Power Relations describe the distribution and exercise of power within a society or organization. The script mentions Dutch social psychologist Mark Bu's experiments with power relations, which led to the initial use of the term 'power distance'.

💡Hierarchy

Hierarchy refers to the ranking or pecking order within a social system. The video script explains how hierarchies are perceived differently in societies with large versus small power distance, with implications for how power is exercised and respected.

💡Power Distance Index (PDI)

The Power Distance Index (PDI) is a measure used to quantify the extent of power distance in a society. The script describes how PDI is plotted on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater acceptance of power inequality.

💡Legitimacy of Power

Legitimacy of Power pertains to the recognition and acceptance of the right to exercise power. In the context of the video, it is discussed in relation to how power is perceived as legitimate in societies with small power distance, as opposed to power being seen as an inherent quality of superiors in societies with large power distance.

💡Inequality

Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, or power within a society. The video script discusses how societies with large power distance view inequality as a normal part of society, while those with small power distance aim to reduce it.

💡Centralization vs. Decentralization

Centralization and Decentralization are contrasting organizational principles. The script explains that societies with large power distance tend to favor centralization, whereas those with small power distance prefer decentralization, reflecting different approaches to power distribution and decision-making.

💡Subordinates

Subordinates are individuals in a lower position within a hierarchy. The video describes how subordinates in societies with large power distance expect to be told what to do, in contrast to those in societies with small power distance who expect to be consulted.

💡Validation

Validation in the context of the video refers to the process of confirming the accuracy of the power distance index by comparing it statistically with other societal phenomena. The script mentions that validation is done through correlation, providing a more robust understanding of the concept.

💡Innovation

Innovation is the process of creating new ideas, methods, or products. The video script discusses how the acceptance and frequency of innovation differ between societies with large and small power distance, with the latter fostering an environment more conducive to spontaneous and original ideas.

Highlights

The term 'power distance' was first used by Dutch social psychologist Mark Bu in the 1960s.

Power distance describes the extent to which less powerful members accept power being distributed unequally.

Power distance is influenced by societal culture and is present in relationships such as those between children and parents.

Large power distance societies view inequality as normal, while small power distance societies see it as something to be reduced.

In large power distance societies, superiors are seen as superior beings, unlike in small power distance societies.

Large power distance societies prioritize power first, with morality following, whereas small power distance societies believe in legitimate power use.

In education, large power distance societies emphasize respect, while small power distance societies focus on independence.

Large power distance societies prefer centralization, while small power distance societies favor decentralization.

Subordinates in large power distance societies expect to be told what to do, unlike those in small power distance societies who expect consultation.

The Power Distance Index (PDI) measures societal power distances on a scale from 0 to 100.

Countries with higher PDI scores include Russia, Mexico, China, and France, while those with lower scores include the United States, Netherlands, and Denmark.

PDI scores correlate with phenomena such as income inequality, class structure, and political systems.

High PDI societies are more likely to have dictatorships or oligarchies, while low PDI societies have more legitimate power use.

Large power distance societies are more prone to political violence, while small power distance societies resolve conflicts peacefully.

In large power distance societies, political systems change through revolution, while in small power distance societies, they evolve more slowly.

Business executives in large power distance societies tend to be older, while those in small power distance societies are younger.

Innovations in large power distance societies require hierarchical support, while in small power distance societies, they can be spontaneous.

PDI scores have shown a slight shift towards smaller power distances over the past 30 years, but country positions relative to each other have remained stable.

PDI scores are influenced by historical values and are likely to be stable over time.

Transcripts

[Music]

the term power distance was used as far

as I know for the first time in the

1960s by a Dutch social psychologist

Mark bu

who did experiments with uh individuals

whom we gave different power

relationss and in the

1970s uh I have borrowed the term uh

when I wanted to describe differences

between National

societies now the my definition of power

distance as a dimension of societal

culture is the following it is the

extent to which the less powerful

members of Institutions and

organizations expect and accept that

power is distributed

unequally so the power distance lies

with the people at the bottom and not

with the people at the top there's

always somebody who wants to take the

position at the Top If the people at the

bottom let her or him do it but um it's

only if the people at the bottom accept

it that this can be

done uh how does power distance transfer

itself in a society well it is present

in the relationship between the children

and the parents the children learn a

position towards the parents and other

older people in their

environment now here I have a opposition

of the two extremes and most countries I

must say most cultures are some in

between but uh I put on the one side

large power distance on the other side

small power distance in large power

distance inequality in a society is

considered a normal part of society

that's the way the world is made in a

small power distance the idea is that

inequality is somewhere wrong and it

should be reduced if

possible in large power distance the

feeling is that superiors are Act

Superior beings they are different kind

of people whereas in small power

distance the idea is that okay there are

hierarchist but the hierarchist are

somewhat the rules of the game you need

it to create order but it doesn't mean

that the superiors are also Superior and

sometimes you can change

roles then in large power distance the

feeling is that power comes first and

good and evil comes afterwards

um so first you know who has the power

and then you decide what is good and

what is evil in the small power distance

the feeling is that power should be used

legitimately and everybody on the top on

the bottom is actually uh under the same

rules of law in the education of

children and the large priorties inside

respect is one of the most important

things a child can learn on the small

power distance side IND dependence is

one of the most important things a child

can

learn in the organizing large power

distance societies they love

centralization and small power distance

societies love

decentralization and finally the

relationship between the subordinates

and their boss in the large PR dist

societies subordinates simply assume

expect that they will be told what to do

in the small power distance sociey

subordinate when it relates to their

work they expect to be

consulted now how do we measure societal

power

distances there is no absolute standard

uh we know that all societies are

unequal but some are more unequal than

others this of course is a pun on a

sentence from George Orwell Animal Farm

all animals are equal but some are more

equal than others but what we measure is

the difference between one society and

another the position of societies

relative to each other is measured by an

index the power distance index

PDI and these are plotted on a scale

from 0 to 100 and scores close to zero

stands for a smaller power distance and

scores close to 100 stand for a larger

power

distance now here I have made a table

off for a few countries actually we have

data for 76 countries but I only took uh

14 countries here uh and you can see on

the one side the countries with the

higher power distance with on the top

Russia and then it's followed by Mexico

China the Arab countries India and from

the European an countries the largest

power distances are in France and then

comes Japan Japan is not really very

high it's just about the break even and

then just below the break even is Italy

now we get to the low side then okay we

get to United States we get the

Netherlands we get Australia we got

Germany we got Britain and the very low

one here is

Denmark now what can we do with this

power distance index well you can

validate it and what does validating

mean validating means is you have these

numbers and you are going to compare

them statistically with phenomena in

society phenomena that are measured by

other people and and other ways actually

hard data from society and that is done

by

correlation and I have made a small list

of things power distance index scores

correlate with

on the high side more income inequality

on the low side less income

inequality on the high side a smaller

middle class a larger lower class on the

low side a larger middle class actually

most people are middle

class on the ipdi side um you find the

dictatorships and if this it isn't

dictatorship it's an oligarchy oligarchy

means that there are a limited number of

people from whom the power comes on the

low po side the use of power should be

legitimate they have the Trias politica

which means the legislative the judicial

and the executive power which are

separated and the people at the top the

executive top they all also subject to

the two other

powers in the large power distance side

in politics you got a big chance of

violence as often there is fighting in

local Politics on the low power Lance

side

most conflicts are res resolved

peacefully on the large power distance

side in order to change a political

system usually you need a revolution but

the Paradox about Revolution utions is

revolutions lead to the fact that you

got another face on the top but not

necessarily that the system itself

changes on the uh low power L side

political systems change slower they

change by Evolution and evolution in

general means that yes there is a

change then another bit of research has

demonstrated that in large PR distance

countries business executive tend to be

older if people are in power they stay

in power longer until they're a lot

older whereas in the low power liness

societies business Executives tend to be

younger and the last one I selected is

how Innovations come about Innovations

either social Innovations or

technological innovations that come

about in a large power distant Society

only when they are supported by the

hierarchy whereas in the low power dist

societies we have spontaneous

Innovations there are people who come

with original IDs we call them Mavericks

or Rebels and they come with Innovations

which therefore are more frequent in low

power dist and

societies the last question I want to

raise which people often ask is but

don't these scores change over

time well first of all there is a reason

why anyway they will not change very

quickly because they are transferred as

I said from parents to children and

after childhood these values rarely

change people carry them with them for

their entire life now there is a

interesting research project by a

professor from kronan University sh bkl

who has compared answers to questions

correlated with power distance for two

successive generations and the answers

are from the world value survey and the

generations are 30 years apart the first

generation is about the time that my

first research was done and the second

generation is not long ago and uh what

he shows is that if you look at the

scores of that older generation and the

younger generation there is a shift

towards smaller power distances over

these 30 years

uh not a very big shift but there is a

shift but the position of countries

relative to each other has remained the

same they have been moving together and

this is precisely what the scores are

based on so the scores don't

change country differences expressed in

the scores are also often rooted in

history you can find Historical stories

from centuries ago where you say well

this was the difference between Britain

and Germany at the time and look how it

is now so the scores can be assumed to

be stable over time

[Music]