Which statement characterizes high Power Distance societies?

Which statement characterizes high Power Distance societies?

• A. Acceptance of a hierarchical order where everybody has a place (e.g., Mexico, Malaysia)
• B. Emphasis on equality and democratic decision making
• C. Low tolerance for authority
• D. High level of individual autonomy

Answer: (A)

Power distance measures how comfortable a society is with unequal power distribution. In high Power Distance cultures, people accept and expect a hierarchical order, with authority being respected and not openly challenged. This is seen in countries like Mexico and Malaysia, where social and organizational structures tend to be centralized and leaders hold and exercise clear control. Therefore, a statement describing acceptance of a hierarchical order where everyone has a place aligns with high Power Distance. Meanwhile, the other descriptions reflect low Power Distance tendencies—emphasis on equality and democratic decision making, low tolerance for authority, and greater individual autonomy.

Power distance measures how comfortable a society is with unequal power distribution. In high Power Distance cultures, people accept and expect a hierarchical order, with authority being respected and not openly challenged. This is seen in countries like Mexico and Malaysia, where social and organizational structures tend to be centralized and leaders hold and exercise clear control. Therefore, a statement describing acceptance of a hierarchical order where everyone has a place aligns with high Power Distance. Meanwhile, the other descriptions reflect low Power Distance tendencies—emphasis on equality and democratic decision making, low tolerance for authority, and greater individual autonomy.