跨文化交际第四章_权力差距.ppt

Power distance 2. Hierarchical Societies Large power distance culture emphasizes the unequal distribution of power in institutions and organizations in a hierarchy of privilege. A few people have a lot of power; the vast majority has little. Power is experienced as a personal attribute, something to be felt rather than enforced. The teacher initiates all communication, outlines the path of learning, and students should follow. The teacher is never publicly criticized or contradicted. In large power distance societies, the emphasis is on the personal “wisdom” of the teacher. 1) Upper-status people are expected to maintain their high-status and prestige at all costs. 2) Languages are structured in such a way as to ensure that ones relative status is reflected in the very construction of a sentence. My Fair Lady * * Content 1. Egalitarian societies 2. Hierarchical societies 3. Impact upon egalitarian societies 4. Impact upon hierarchical societies Power Distance This value dimension raises the following question: How should people with different levels of power, prestige, and status interact with one another; equally or unequally? Those cultures that emphasize the equality polarity, such as Canada, Australia, and United States, tend to minimize power and status differences. Power tends to be more diffused, people in higher positions can be questioned, and subordinates want their superiors to consult with them and be accessible. According to Confucius, we have ruler guides subject, father guides son and husband guides wife (the “Three Cardinal Guides”), benevolence, propriety (适当), reason , knowledge and sincerity for the “Five Constant Virtues”. People at the higher levels of the hierarchy are treated with great respect and deference (顺从, 尊重) by those lower down the ladder. People in authority should not step out of their privileged roles, bosses should not be questioned, and there