Maktavstånd och kommunikation - en studie av upplevda och verkliga kulturella skillnader och deras följder
Hofstede constructed a culture dimension called Power Distance, measuring the inequality of Power. Germany and Sweden have relatively similar values according to his world-renowned research. But a series of interviews of Swedish entrepreneurs in Germany shows that these perceive a large difference in inequality of power in the two countries. This essay seeks to explain the difference between these subjective-qualitative experiences and the objective-quantitative data of Hofstedes Power Distance Index. We propose that a combination of differences in communication, exercise and visibility of power and formality influence the way Power Distance is perceived. We also look into the way in which different aspects of both countries' cultures might affect both the computation of Hofstedes Power Distance Index and the subjective experiences of Power Distance. By explaining the cultural dimensions as they are experienced, not in absolute terms, the essay aims to be relevant to real practitioners. Findings should be useful by suggesting interesting paths for further research.