Question

In the Vietnamese American culture, disagreeing with a person in an authoritative position is not acceptable. Does this describe high power or low power distance?

A. Low Power Distance
B. High Power Distance
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

Answer 1

The reticence to disagree with persons in authority within Vietnamese American culture suggests a high power distance, indicating a clear hierarchy where authority is respected and challenged less frequently.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of Vietnamese American culture, the reluctance to disagree with someone in an authoritative position illustrates a high power distance. This concept refers to the extent to which less powerful members of organizations and institutions accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. Cultures with high power distance typically exhibit significant levels of inequality within the power hierarchy and considerable respect for those in authority, which is reflected in the example provided.

Furthermore, in such societies, subordinates are more likely to follow directives without questioning and are less likely to approach or contradict their superiors directly. This contrasts with low-power distance cultures, where power relations are more consultative and democratic and disagreement with authority figures is more commonly accepted.