What is power distance?

Power distance is a cultural dimension that reflects the extent to which less powerful members of a society defer to and accept the unequal distribution of power among individuals. In high power distance cultures, hierarchies are more pronounced, and authority is seldom challenged, while in low power distance cultures, equality and open communication are emphasized, and power is distributed more evenly. This concept, developed by social psychologist Geert Hofstede, helps to understand interpersonal dynamics in various organizational and societal contexts.