Power balance -- Keigo

 


Country comparison tool shows, in japan,the score of power distance 54 is two times higher than New Zealand's 24 which very low score, means japanese values hierarchichy, whereas New Zealanders prefer equality and informal relationship.

I was very confused the first time I talked with teacher in NZ since I did not how to talk with politeness and show respect for them in English. In japanese school, we are required suitable attitude and  proper behaviour for teacher. On the other hand, In NZ, the students and teacher have an informal conversation like a friend. Therefore, I am convinced this Hofstede's cultural dimention, especially, in Power balance.


Comments

  1. Hanako IwatsukiJuly 30, 2025 at 3:21 PM

    I agree. I still hesitate to talk about personal topics with teachers. which culture would you prefer currently?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Miyu TOKUMOTOJuly 30, 2025 at 3:27 PM

    I agree with you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chompunud (New)July 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM

    Hello, Keigo, I strongly agree with you that at first, it was difficult for me to try to make a more polite sentence when I talked with teachers here as well because in my culture, students also behave and talk in a formal manner with teachers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MilaeJuly 30, 2025 at 3:39 PM

    I agree with you. I think Korea and Japan have similar culture in power distance. We also more hierarchical than New Zealand.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aoi MatsumotoJuly 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM

    Your example about talking with teachers was very clear. I agree that the difference in power distance really shows in school life. It’s interesting how teachers and students talk more casually in New Zealand. Thanks for sharing your experience!

    ReplyDelete
  6. David WoodfieldJuly 30, 2025 at 3:41 PM

    Interesting post, Keigo. I think New Zealanders really take pride in the idea that 'we are all the same'...that our society is egalitarian. As a case in point, when I was a high school student the son of the future NZ prime minister was my classmate and I sometimes went to his house. I wonder though if New Zealand is becoming less egalitarian as the rich get richer & the poor, poorer? David :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keigo TominagaJuly 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM

      Technically, I reckon it is impoissible to advokate an equality unless there are poor people and rich people. So, NZ is becoming the society that should originaly exsist.

      Delete
  7. Meri OBARAJuly 30, 2025 at 3:41 PM

    I agree with your opinion. Japanese polite culture or Kiwi's casual culture, which custom do you prefer? and why?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Keigo TominagaJuly 30, 2025 at 3:58 PM

    To be honest, Japan. I am patoriotic.

    ReplyDelete

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