Introduction
Power distance index varies from one country to another. This is mainly because it depends on the cultures of a country. In this regard, countries with high power distance tend to convey huge differences between the citizens and their leaders.
Similarly, those with low power distance tend to convey small differences between leaders and their citizens. In essence, countries have diverse cultures that determine how they interact with one another. In the process, this determines the level of interaction that occurs between them. This paper will explore power distance and state as well as relate it to Washington (Curtiss, 2006, p. 1).
Power distance and State in relation to Washington
Power distance refers to the capability of a culture to value or not value relationship in hierarchy along with respect for authority. According to theorists such as Geert Hofstede, among others, behavior of individuals in various countries are determined by five fundamental factors.
These include masculinity, long-term orientation, individualism, uncertainty avoidance and power distance index. In this regard, countries whose leaders show authorities through class divisions, behavior or dressing have high power distance indices while those that do not have low ones.
In contrast, leaders in countries with low power distance indices tend to relate more easily with other citizens. Washington is an example of a state with low power distance as shown in American index of 40%. Moreover, the recent Wall Street protest was a demonstration that people wanted a lower power distance index in the country (Curtiss, 2006, p. 1).
International Personality who reflects use of power
The personality who reflects use of power is United States’ president Barack Obama, this is mainly because he has worked to ensure that the very wealthy who seem to increase power distance are taxed to help reduce economic differences.
In this regard, his use of power aims to bridge the gap between the rich and poor in United States as well as give equal opportunity to every American to become wealthy (Cohen & Valencia, 2008, p. 1).
Relation to real world
Issues of culture are important in day-to-day life. This is mainly because they define society. Moreover, they establish a given direction for the community with regards to all aspects of life. For instance, it defines how they relate to their leaders. On the other hand, conflict is brought about by difference in ideas.
This is very possible in cases where people come from diverse cultures. Culture is therefore related to conflict. For instance, individuals from varied cultures tend to differ in ideas. When they interact, such differences are likely to lead to conflict if they are both stereotyped on cultural influences.
This is quite related to occurrences in our organization where new employees find it difficult to acquire the company’s organizational culture. This can lead to conflict as they try to understand new activities in work places.
For instance, new employees from African culture find it hard to take orders from women. However, organizational culture requires everyone to submit to authority irrespective of gender (Cohen & Valencia, 2008, p. 1).
Conclusion
The reading was useful in connecting relationship between power distance, state and culture, among others. This helped me in understanding the factors involved in defining human behavior. This reading is important in helping people realize that they need to respect each other’s culture and try to use it to avoid conflict (Kirkman, 2010, p. 1).
Reference List
Cohen, E., & Valencia, J. (2008). Political Protest and Power Distance: Towards a Typology of Political Participation. Web.
Curtiss, J. (2006). Power Distance. Web.
Kirkman, B. (2010). Power Distance and Transformational Leadership. Web.