The University of the Pilbara has begun admitting international students, mainly from Arab counties, because of the mining industry links between Western Australia and the Middle East. They have designed an orientation programme to help these sojourning students understand cultural influences on teaching and learning that might differ from their previous educational experiences. Which of the Hofstede dimensions is likely to produce the greatest difference?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Power distance is the dimension that measures the extent to which less powerful members of a society accept the unequal distribution of power. Arab countries typically have high power distance scores, meaning that they are comfortable with unequal distributions of power and accept authority from people in positions of power. Western Australia, on the other hand, may have lower power distance scores, which could lead to differences in teaching and learning styles that may be difficult for international students to adjust to. Therefore, power distance is likely to produce the greatest difference.

The University of the Pilbara Has Begun Admitting International Students