Final answer:
Power distance is the acceptance and expectation of power inequality in institutions, organizations, and among individuals. It reflects how societies view hierarchy and power distribution, influencing social interactions and decision-making processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Power distance refers to the degree to which people accept inequality in power among institutions, organizations, and individuals. It is a concept that captures how a society handles the differences in power among people. The acceptance of power distance is determined by cultural values, and it is manifested in various aspects of societal interactions, including the workplace, government, and education systems.
In contexts where high power distance is the norm, there is a clear hierarchy that is broadly accepted, and subordinates are expected to be compliant to those of higher status. Conversely, societies with low power distance seek to minimize the inequalities of power, promoting a more egalitarian approach to social interactions and decision-making. Understanding power distance is crucial when examining the social structures within organizations and across different cultures.