A variable called "power distance" greatly affects who is expected to communicate about what and how. A related variable is "uncertainty avoidance." Cultures range from high to low in preferences for power distance and uncertainty avoidance. What differences would high versus low power distance make in (1) the degree to which group members are expected to conform to norms, (2) how members of the culture respond to recommendations and feedback from superiors (authorities), (3) preference for authoritarian or democratic leaders, and (4) acceptance of dissent and disagreement?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

1. All members of cultures with high power distance insist on a very high level of conformity to norms; deviations are punished severely; cultures with low power distance and uncertainty avoidance tolerate much more individual deviation from norms (2).
2. Members of high power-distance cultures are expected NOT to challenge orders, but to do what they are told and to conform closely to feedback from superiors. Members of low power-distance cultures are expected to evaluate orders from superiors, and are then responsible for responding ethically; they are expected to judge for themselves what is an appropriate response to feedback from persons of higher rank or status (2).
3. Members of high power-distance cultures prefer authoritarian leaders and reject democratic leadership. Just the opposite is true of members of low power-distance cultures (2).
4. High power-distance cultures tolerate little open dissent and disagreement; low power-distance cultures invite open dissent (2). (total of 8 points)