Cross-Cultural Training
Lesson 5: Culture in the Workplace
Recognizing the Influence of Cultural Differences in the Workplace
Here are some exercises created by The Peace Corps to help you identify the occurrence of Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance in the workplace.
1) Mark the statements below with an "H" if you think it reflects an attitude of high power distance, or an "L" if low power distance is more likely:
People are less likely to question the boss.
Elitism is the norm.
Students question teachers.
Freedom of thought is encouraged.
Those in power have special privileges.
The chain of command is mainly for convenience.
There are greater wage differences between managers and subordinates.
Workers prefer precise instructions from superiors.
Interaction between boss and subordinate is more informal.
Subordinates and bosses are independent.
Bosses are independent; subordinates are dependent.
Freedom of thought could get you in trouble.
It's OK to question the boss.
Less social mobility is the norm.
The chain of command is sacred.
The pecking order is clearly established.
Management style is authoritarian and paternalistic.
Management style is consultative and democratic.
Interaction between boss and subordinate is formal. 2) As you read the statements that follow, mark the ones with an "H" that you think relate to high uncertainty avoidance and an "L" that you think relate to low uncertainty avoidance.
Punctuality is highly valued.
People should keep their emotions under control.
Different is dangerous.
People change jobs with more frequency.
People expect more formality in interactions.
People more readily accept dissent.
Take things one day at a time.
People should let their emotions out.
The chain of command should never be bypassed.
Conflict in organizations is natural and nothing to be afraid of.
People believe less in common sense.
Conflict in organizations should be eliminated.
Differences are curious.
People change jobs infrequently.
A general sense of anxiety prevails.
A general sense of well-being prevails.
People accept authority more readily; authority is comforting.
People accept authority less readily; authority is limiting.
Rules should not be broken.
Rules can be broken if it makes sense, for pragmatic reasons.
Risks should be avoided.
Risks are opportunities.
Print this page
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Latest Articles