Intercultural Management Hierarchy vs Equality
Intercultural Management
Hierarchy vs. Equality
In hierarchical societies the unequal distribution of power, ro les and resources is legitimate. Individuals are socialized to comply with obligations and roles according to their hierarchical position in society and are sanctioned if they do not (see pic1). In egalitarian cultures, individuals are seen as moral equals and are socialized to internalize a commitment to voluntary cooperation with others and to be concerned with others welfare (see pic2). Schwarz (1994). An important term also to be defined is ‘power distance’ this is the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally. According to Schwarz’s research Countries such as China,
Thailand, and turkey are hierarchical cultures while Denmark, Sweden and Norway are egalitarian cultures.
Pic1
pic2
Dimensions of Hierarchy and equality
Hierarchy and equality have dimensions which are important in understanding the funct ionality of these two cultures.
Hierarchy
Belief that power should be distributed equality. Equality
Belief that power should be distributed relatively equally.
Belief in ascribed or inherited power.
Belief in shared or elected power with ultimate authority residing in the people
Emphasis on organizing vertically
Emphasis on organising horizontally.
Preference for autocratic or centralized
Preference for participatory or
decision making
decentralised decision making
Emphasis on who is in charge
Emphasis on who is best qualified
Acceptance of authority, reluctance to
Rejection of scepticism of authority, willingness to question authority.
question authority.
Reflection of culture
The culture of a people can be reflected in a number of ways; firstly it can be reflected by the values we hold, indeed values can be so wide ranging in dimensions that even members of the same
Hierarchy vs. Equality
In hierarchical societies the unequal distribution of power, ro les and resources is legitimate. Individuals are socialized to comply with obligations and roles according to their hierarchical position in society and are sanctioned if they do not (see pic1). In egalitarian cultures, individuals are seen as moral equals and are socialized to internalize a commitment to voluntary cooperation with others and to be concerned with others welfare (see pic2). Schwarz (1994). An important term also to be defined is ‘power distance’ this is the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally. According to Schwarz’s research Countries such as China,
Thailand, and turkey are hierarchical cultures while Denmark, Sweden and Norway are egalitarian cultures.
Pic1
pic2
Dimensions of Hierarchy and equality
Hierarchy and equality have dimensions which are important in understanding the funct ionality of these two cultures.
Hierarchy
Belief that power should be distributed equality. Equality
Belief that power should be distributed relatively equally.
Belief in ascribed or inherited power.
Belief in shared or elected power with ultimate authority residing in the people
Emphasis on organizing vertically
Emphasis on organising horizontally.
Preference for autocratic or centralized
Preference for participatory or
decision making
decentralised decision making
Emphasis on who is in charge
Emphasis on who is best qualified
Acceptance of authority, reluctance to
Rejection of scepticism of authority, willingness to question authority.
question authority.
Reflection of culture
The culture of a people can be reflected in a number of ways; firstly it can be reflected by the values we hold, indeed values can be so wide ranging in dimensions that even members of the same