EXAMINATION EMPLOYEES’ PERCEPTIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL POWER DISTANCE BASED ON DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS: AN EMPIRICAL RESEARCH IN TRABZON PROVINCE

Abstract

The aims of this research are to determine the organizational power distance levels of the employees, to reveal the differences in the organizational power distance perceptions of the employees according to various demographic variables, and to determine the relationship between the sub-dimensions of organizational power distance. In this context, the “Organizational Power Distance” scale was used to obtain data from 397 white-collar employees working in the communication, banking, insurance, and food sectors in Trabzon province and its districts. The obtained data was analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 statistical package program. When the findings were evaluated, it was determined that while the employees perceived the sub-dimensions of accepting and consenting of power at a moderate level, they experienced a low level of instrumental use of power and a very low level of power legitimation in organizations. Based on the research findings, it was observed that the perception of organizational power distance and its sub-dimensions showed significant differences according to the age variable. In addition, it was concluded that the level of instrumental use of power, which is one of the sub-dimensions of organizational power distance perception, shows significant differences in the communication and food sectors. According to the results of the correlation analysis, it has been determined that there are moderate and high-level, significant and positive relationships between organizational power distance and its sub-dimensions.