Power Distance in Organisations

Study Notes

Power distance is the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.
Large power distance: emphasis on positional power and formal authority, strict hierarchy in family structures, and high dependents or subordinates on superiors.
Small power distance: emphasis on earned power based on accomplishments and hard work, minimizing inequalities among people, and treating family members as equals.

High context communication: relies on context, non-verbal cues, and implicit understanding among people, with a high value on relationships, trust, and shared cultural knowledge.
Low context communication: more explicit, relies heavily on verbal expression, and values clarity and precision.

Cultural safety focuses on aspects of identity beyond race and ethnicity, including gender, socio-economic status, disability, and sexual orientation.
It acknowledges individual differences within cultural groups and does not assume all members think and feel the same way.

Contributing factors to cultural identity include: age, positions, education, ethnicity, religion, interests, family role, class, gender, sexuality, bodies, brains and minds, political ideas, world views, heritage, skills, values, and wealth.
Understanding one's own cultural identity involves recognizing these factors and their influences.

Dominant culture refers to the set of values, beliefs, standards, and systems that govern and organize every aspect of life in Australia.
It is founded on Anglo-Celtic culture and shapes what is considered 'normal' or 'business as usual'.
It can overshadow, invisiblize, and dictate to cultural values that fall outside of this dominant culture.

Cultural dimensions include: power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, long-term/short-term orientation, indulgence vs. restraint, and masculinity vs. femininity.
These dimensions provide insights into national cultures and can be used to understand cultural differences.

Cultural awareness is a basic understanding of histories, peoples, and cultures, and involves knowing, respecting, and being sensitive to different cultures.
Cultural humility is a lifelong journey of self-reflection and learning, involving listening without judgment and being open to learning from and about others.
Cultural humility is a building block for cultural safety and involves recognizing and challenging one's own biases and stereotypes.