Christopher, a U.S. businessman, visits India for a corporate meeting. While interacting with the board members, he addresses them by their first names, as he does with board members in the United States. However, the board members in India are offended by this gesture. Which difference in culture does this scenario reveal?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario reveals a difference in power distance, which refers to the degree to which less powerful members of a society accept and expect unequal distribution of power. In India, there is a high power distance, which means that people in higher positions are expected to be treated with respect and formality, while in the United States, there is a lower power distance and people tend to address each other by their first names regardless of their position. Christopher's use of first names in India was seen as disrespectful and offended the board members.