Power Distance
Power distance is one of the five dimensions of Hofstede’s framework for assessing culture. Hofstede has defined power distance as “the extent to which inequality in power is accepted and considered as normal by less powerful people in a society.”(Hofstede, p. 307, 1986). He divided this dimension into two categories:
1. Small 2. Large
Small power distance:
Small power distance means that the extent to which less powerful people accept the social inequality is small, that is members of a society are treated as equal as possible in an unequal society. (Hofstede, p. 307, 1986)
Large power distance: large power distance means that a big inequality in power is considered by the less powerful members of a society as normal. (Hofstede, p. 307, 1986)
Power distance between Australia and Japan:
Power distance in Australia:
According to Hofstede power distance index, the score of Australia is only 36. So Australia is a country of low power distance. People of this country show greater degree of equality. Here, Prestige and rewards are more equally shared between superiors and subordinates. all the seniors deal with their junior colleagues with respect and do not pull rank. Juniors are entrusted with big and important assignments in different Australian firms. Blame is very often accepted by the superior due to it being their responsibility to manage. Australian managers may socialise with co-workers. Generally liberal democracy prevails in this country.
Power distance in japan :
According to Hofstede power distance index, the score of Japan is 54. So Japan is one of the high power distance countries. Culture of Japan is characterized by much inequality between superiors and subordinates. Organizations in Japan are more hierarchical. Those who are in leading positions in Japan openly demonstrate their rank. In Japan power originates from prestige, force and inheritance. The relationship between manager and co-workers is rarely close in Japanese
1. Small 2. Large
Small power distance:
Small power distance means that the extent to which less powerful people accept the social inequality is small, that is members of a society are treated as equal as possible in an unequal society. (Hofstede, p. 307, 1986)
Large power distance: large power distance means that a big inequality in power is considered by the less powerful members of a society as normal. (Hofstede, p. 307, 1986)
Power distance between Australia and Japan:
Power distance in Australia:
According to Hofstede power distance index, the score of Australia is only 36. So Australia is a country of low power distance. People of this country show greater degree of equality. Here, Prestige and rewards are more equally shared between superiors and subordinates. all the seniors deal with their junior colleagues with respect and do not pull rank. Juniors are entrusted with big and important assignments in different Australian firms. Blame is very often accepted by the superior due to it being their responsibility to manage. Australian managers may socialise with co-workers. Generally liberal democracy prevails in this country.
Power distance in japan :
According to Hofstede power distance index, the score of Japan is 54. So Japan is one of the high power distance countries. Culture of Japan is characterized by much inequality between superiors and subordinates. Organizations in Japan are more hierarchical. Those who are in leading positions in Japan openly demonstrate their rank. In Japan power originates from prestige, force and inheritance. The relationship between manager and co-workers is rarely close in Japanese