As mentioned previously, power distance measures the extent to which a society accepts
the unequal distribution of power in institutions and organizations. The power distance
ranges from 1 to 7, with a score of 3.5 as the midpoint. A power distance of more than 3.5
represents a large power distance. Table 2 shows that Saudi Arabia has a high power distance
scores. However, it must be noted that Hofstede’s classification of Arab countries
(including Saudi Arabia) as large power distance countries was formulated in the 1970s
and confirmed in 2001,6 and that since then, the Kingdom has witnessed certain social
development as a result of wealth accumulation that has been directed toward Joint
Venture business activity. Such activity has made the country more aware of other national
cultures and especially those in Western countries. This can be attributed to one reason for
the difference between the score obtained in this study, and that of Hofstede’s.