Reconsidering the exploration of power distance:an active case study approach
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Authors
Romm, Norma R.A.
Hsu, Cheng-Yi
Issue Date
2002
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Active case study; Power distance; Researcher involvement
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this paper, we present what we call an “active case study” and we theorize speci1cally on the relevance hereof for an exploration
of power distance (as conceptualized by Hofstede (Culture’s Consequences:International Di5erences in Work-Related
Values, Sage, Beverley Hills, CA, 1980)). As Hofstede conceives it, the notion of “power distance” enables an understanding
of the predominant ideas about inequality prevalent in a (national) culture, which in turn infuse work relationships. An active
case study approach—as we elucidate in the paper—implies an acknowledgement on the part of those organizing the research
of the manner in which their intervention might a5ect the way “respondents” experience their work relationships. We suggest
that our proposed active case study approach o5ers novel possibilities for exploring power distance and should be added to
the repertoire of approaches used to examine this in organizational life. We develop our argument in this regard by o5ering a
detailed account of the application of this approach to a Taiwanese organization (the Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau in Taiwan).
Description
Citation
Romm, Norma RA; Hsu, Cheng-Yi (2002) Reconsidering the exploration of power distance:an active case study approach. Omega 30 (2002) 403 – 414
Publisher
Elsevier
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
ISSN: 0305-0483