Power Distance -- New


     In my opinion, according to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, one of the big difference between Thai culture and Kiwi culture is high Power Distance.  The score of power distance in Thai culture and Kiwi culture are 64 and 22 respectively.  This shows that Thai culture has a high power distance when I compare to Kiwi culture.  In other words, Thai culture values more hierarchical levels than Kiwi culture.  

     One example of my experience is when I was in Thailand, we always call people who are older by adding one word which is similar to Mr or Ms before their first name in order to make it is polite and respectable.  Therefore, I have never called someone who is older than me by just their first name without this word in Thai.  However, when I first came here, my host mother told me to call her by her name without Ms. which at first it was very unusual for me to call her because it made me feel like I was impolite.  However, I received more explanations from her that she doesn’t want me to feel that she is higher than me but she wants us to be equal.  She wants me to feel that we are friends.  So, I’m impressed by her answer and idea.  Therefore, this experience clearly shows the difference between a high power distance in Thailand and a low power distance in New Zealand.








Comments

  1. Miyu TOKUMOTOJuly 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM

    I still cannot get used to call my host mother name without Ms.so I agree with your opinion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chompunud (New)July 30, 2025 at 3:51 PM

      Thank you, Miyu, I think when we are more familiar with our host mother, we will feel more comfortable with their cultures.

      Delete
  2. Hanako IwatsukiJuly 30, 2025 at 3:19 PM

    Same as you! I felt unusual to call someone in first name at first. It is interesting that Thai people call older people by first name with title. In Japan, we call them by last name with title. Besides I'm little bit surprised that the score of Power Distance in Thailand was somewhat higher than Japan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chompunud (New)July 30, 2025 at 3:57 PM

      Thank you, Hanako, it’s very interesting to know more about your culture and other people’s culture as well.

      Delete
  3. Keigo TominagaJuly 30, 2025 at 3:21 PM

    Totaly agree, it is one of a interesting cultural difference.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MilaeJuly 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM

    Which country's way to calling someone do you prefer? I prefer to New Zealand's way in this point, because in Korea, sometimes I feel distance when I call elderly people.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Meri OBARAJuly 30, 2025 at 3:39 PM

    I've made many Thai friends since I came here, I've thought that Thai people are really polite. So, I feel you that without titles make you feel like you were impolite.
    But now, which culture or custom do you prefer? and why?

    ReplyDelete
  6. David WoodfieldJuly 30, 2025 at 3:48 PM

    Interesting post, New! I think the hierarchical nature of Thai society is particularly evident in the respect given to the King, the royal family and the nobility. When a member of the royal family gives out certificates at a graduation, the graduating students bow deeply, making sure they are at a lower level -- spatially -- than the royal giving them their certificate. David :-)

    ReplyDelete

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