POWER DISTANCE IN THE WORKPLACE IN VIETNAM GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS, PERCEIVED BY VIETNAMESE SUBORDINATES

Abstract

In the era of globalization, understanding of cultural value helps people to increase self-awareness and promote effective relationship in working environment. Among six cultural dimensions introduced by Hofstede et al. (2010), Power Distance dimension plays an important part in expressing equality among people in society. The study on Subordinates’ perceptions of Power Distance in Vietnam governmental institutions draws a picture of characteristics of Power Distance culture and its effects on the working environment. Thirty Vietnamese subordinates were chosen to participate in the structured questionnaire and six members among them took part in the in-depth semi-structured interview. The findings indicated that there are similarities in Power Distance’s manifestations between Hofstede’s findings in the period of 1967-1973 and this one. Vietnam society reflects High Power Distance culture in the workplace. It is hoped that the research could be a useful source for students to prepare for the future work as Vietnam civil servants as well as managers to create an effective working environment.