The power distance index explained
The extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.” In this dimension, inequality and power is perceived from the followers, or the lower level.
The countries which treat their power holding people with utmost respect derive a lot of consequences in the professional as well as personal lives of people. It has known to affect tragically with respect to psychological factors.
I will explain with some examples, how this factor can eventually lead to tragedies. One of the most prominent fields in aviation. In the decades of 1970s-80s, the major cause of accidents in aircraft where a combination of numerous small errors and defining factor of inferiority associated with your boss (handling the operations) and unable to point out any mistakes in such spur of the moment. South Korea had high PDI leading to the inability of subordinates to point out their seniors, in charge of the crew, the mistakes which lead to many fatal accidents.
One thing that is important to note here is that everyone is capable of making mistakes. In fact, mistakes are inevitable and can happen to anyone irrespective of their experience and age. Another resounding example is corruption, which is high in countries where the power distance index is high. We give full control to them until the next election occurs.
We need to change this attitude in our country about the extent to which we make our leaders powerful. They are here to serve us.
In terms of professional life, we need to understand that our suggestions will be in the best interest in case of tragedies and it's not always that our managers will make decisions for us. Let's have the guts to express our views to managers and step out of our comfort zone.
