power distance this dimension conveys the degree to which a accepts social by much inequality between superiors and subordinates . organization tend to be more hierarchical, with power deriving from prestige force and inheritance. this is why executive and upper management in cultures with large power distance often enjoy special recognition and privileges. on the other hand, cultures with small power distance display a greater degree of equality , with prestige and rewards more equally shared between superiors and subordinates. power in these cultures (relative to cultures with large power distance) is seen to derive more form hard work and entrepreneurial drive and is therefore often considered more legitimate.
figure 2.2 shows how various countries rank according to these first two dimensions power distance and individualism versus collectivism. what is striking about this figure is the tight grouping of nation within the five clusters (plus costa rica) you can see the concentration of mostly african ,asian , central and south american, and middle eastern nations in quadrant 3 and 2 comprise mostly the cultures of australia and the nations of north america and western europe. these nations had the highest individualism scores, and many had relatively smaller power distance scores