Abstract
Power distance is the degree of acceptance of unequal distribution of power in societies. In a high power distance context, the acceptance of inequality conflicts with the operation of modern organizations, which causes obstacles to workplace communication or even triggers workplace accidents due to ineffective communication. We conducted four studies (N = 1063) to explore the relations between and mechanisms of power distance belief and workplace communication. In Study 1, the participants with high power distance belief had ineffective workplace communication—specifically ineffective communication with superiors—but no difference in communication with subordinates and colleagues. We further focused on the mechanism underlying the relationship between power distance belief and communication with superiors. A questionnaire study (Study 2) was conducted in three stages over a three-month period, and an experimental study (Study 3) indicated that fear of authority mediated the negative effect of high power distance on communication with superiors. A cross-culture study (Study 4) re-tested the hypotheses among Chinese and U.S. participants. This research provides insight into the mechanisms that explain the relationship between power distance belief and workplace communication, indicating that fear of authority is significant. Organizations should pay attention to power distance belief and fear of authority, as they may lead to workplace accidents due to communication disasters.
Highlights
Dispositional power distance belief was negatively associated with workplace communication, r(246) = −0.31, p < 0.001; dispositional power distance belief was negatively associated with communication with superiors, r(246) = −0.32, p < 0.001; dispositional power distance belief was close to being statistically associated with communication with colleagues, r(246) = −0.12, p = 0.059; and dispositional power distance was not associated with communication with subordinates, r(246) = −0.11, p = 0.09
As in Study 1 and consistent with Hypothesis 1 (H1), dispositional power distance belief was negatively associated with workplace communication with superiors, r(211) = −0.21, p = 0.003
Consistent with Hypothesis 2 (H2), fear of authority was negatively associated with communication with superiors, r(211) = −0.34, p < 0.001
Summary
Workplace communication plays a crucial role in industrial organization with the development of economic globalization as well as the greater complexity of organizational structures. Cultural factors play an important role in workplace communication [1–3]. Individualism–collectivism affects communication styles directly and has an indirect effect that is mediated through self-constructs and values [4,5]. As another important cultural factor, power distance belief has been found to influence communication between teachers and students [6]. We aimed to explore the relationship between power distance belief and workplace communication. We proposed that fear of authority could account for the effect of power distance belief on workplace communication
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International journal of environmental research and public health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
