Final answer:
Employees in countries with high power distance are likely to prefer an authoritarian leadership style, which emphasizes hierarchy, order, and clear directives from leaders.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Hofstede, employees in countries that rank high on power distance are more likely to prefer an authoritarian leadership style. High power distance in a culture means there is an acceptance of a strong sense of hierarchy and power differences. This sense shapes expectations that leaders make decisions and provide direction, while followers respect authority and adhere to these decisions without questioning them. An authoritarian leadership style is characterized by a top-down communication pattern and is focused on clear directives, control, and a definitive sense of order and organization.
Contrastingly, employees in countries with low power distance may prefer democratic or laissez-faire leadership styles, which may promote more group participation and empowerment, reflecting lesser emphasis on hierarchy.