Research the term “power distance.” Research power distance in different cultures. Are there any surprising results?

Part 1
Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are used to characterize the differences between cultures. Hofstede’s (1980) study explored work-related values. He collected data from business employees in numerous countries and used factor analysis to see the outstanding variables that emerged. He originally identified four dimensions, one of which was power distance. This concept has been applied for practical purposes. For example, Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story of Success discusses how the power distance index relates to safety in the airline business.
In your response, address the following:

• Research the term “power distance.” Research power distance in different cultures. Are there any surprising results? Compare countries that are often lumped together under one title. For example, people from Japan, China, and India are all called Asian. When such countries are compared, what differences emerge?

• Given that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions inventory was designed for a work environment and that the data were collected from the employees who fall into specific demographic categories, can the findings be generalized to other settings? What about generalizing the findings for the groups that were not in the study? Do you think that it is appropriate to apply the data to the airline business?

• Do you think that the study is valid for all countries? When was the study initially conducted? Do you think that the findings would be the same if the people in the countries were assessed again?

References:
Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers: The story of success. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
Hofstede, G. H. (1980). Culture’s consequences: International differences in work-related values. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.