Power Distance

1
PowerDistance

2

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

3
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.      

4

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

5
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
6
http//www.clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-cu
ltural-dimensions/power-distance-index/
7
Comparison between these four countries

• FRANCE (68)
• GERMANY (35)
• UK (35)
• SENEGAL (77)

8
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

9
GERMANY

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

10
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

11
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.

12
Different points of views between France
Senegal on these following points

• Polygamy
• Homosexuality