【跨文化交流-外教】14 Power Distance.ppt
Power Distance,Building Block#7,Why study power distance?,“One of the most important and frequently troublesome work-related cultural differences involves the phenomenon know as power distance.”Its significance extends well beyond the workplace,because I focuses on the attitude of a society toward inequality-how society deals with different people(Storti,Figuring Foreigners Out,1999),What is Power Distance?,Power distance refers to the degree to which members of a culture idealize the distinguishing of social power among the members,the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a community expect and accept that power is distributed unequally“,Power Distance Characteristics,EqualityIndependence(Impersonal)TruthNegotiationDiscussion,Respect/AuthorityDependence(Personal)WisdomDecreeLecture,High Power Distance,These cultures accept that inequalities in power and status are natural or existential(just part of our existence)People just accept that some among them will have more power and influence than others(like some people all taller than others)Those with power tend to emphasize it and hold it close(do not give their power over to others),High Power Distance(cont.),Power is rarely delegated or sharedThose with power try to distinguish themselves as much as possible from those who do not have powerThose with power are also expected to accept the responsibilities that go with power,specifically looking after those beneath themSubordinates are not expected to take initiative and are closely supervised,Low Power Distance,See inequalities in power and status as man-made and artificialIt is not natural,though it may be convenient,that some people have power over othersThose with power tend to deemphasize their power(give it away,or try to act lower than their position),Low Power Distance(cont.),Those with power tend to minimize the differences between themselves and subordinatesPower is often shared and responsibilities are delegated as much as possibleSubordinates are rewarded for taking initiative and do not like close supervision,Part 1.High or Low?,People are less likely to question the boss;students dont question teachersExpressing your ideas openly could get you into troubleExpressing your ideas openly is encouragedThe chain of command is mainly for convenienceWorkers prefer precise instructions from superiors,Part 1.High or Low?(cont.),Subordinates and bosses are interdependentBosses are independent;subordinates are dependentElitism is more common and more easily tolerated;those in power have special privilegesThe chain of command is sacrosanct(almost holy in its importance)Authoritarian and paternalistic management style is more common,Part 1.High or Low?(cont.),11.Consultative and democratic management style is more common12.Interaction between boss and subordinate is formal13.Interaction between boss and subordinate is more informal,Power Distance,Low,High,Positive,Skeptical,Attitude Towards Uncertainty,Key to Productivity,Results,Harmony,Achievement,Quality of Life,Attitude Towards Work,Achieved,Ascribed,Source of Status,U.S.A.vs.China,US has no real center of powerStates rights vs.federal(national rights)States,cities,often do things that are contrary to the national government.If they didnt,Americans would be unhappyChina-Strong center of power-BeijingLocal governments are a expected to be representative of the national government,Whats going on here?,AMANDA:I think well have to hire two part-time workers to get through this period.HASSAN:I dont see any other way.AMANDA:Ill call personnel tomorrow and get the paperwork started.HASSAN:Did you speak to Ali?,Whats going on here?,AMANDA:The chief(boss)?Hes in meetings all day.Besides,its my division,and Ive got hiring authority.HASSAN:Yes.Im sure hell approve.AMANDA:Well,thats one less headache.,Whats going on here?,JULIE:I heard the board has chosen a new CEO.CARLOS:Yes,theyve appointed Dr.Manuel Cabeza de Leon of the de Leon family.JULIE:Who is he?CARLOS:Its an old family with large landholdings in Guadalajara province.JULIE:But whats his background?,Whats going on here?,CARLOS:I just told you.JULIE:I mean has he worked in trading textiles before?Doe he have any experience in the business?CARLOS:I dont know.JULIE:You dont know?Do you think hes a good choice?CARLOS:Dr.de Leon?Im sure.,Midterm Exam,Highest score:100 AAverage:74 CNumber of(90-100)As:12(80-89)Bs:19(70-79)Cs:9(60-69)Ds:7Below D:12I also added 5 points Extra Credit if you participated in the field trip to the Jewish Museum.,
