Leading and Bridging the Gap
Egalitarian
Hierarchical
This dimension has a strong link to Hofstede's "Power Distance Dimension"
In an egalitarian culture, an aura of authority is more likely to come from acting like one of the team, while in a hierarchical culture, an aura of authority tends to come from setting yourself clearly apart.
2 foto's of a Prime Minister visiting their Monarch because they are formatting a new government
When the boss rides a bike to work, it may symbolize to the egalitarian culture a strong leadership voice: “Look, I’m one of you.” While in some Hierarchical cultures riding a bike to work is not an option. It's transportation for the lower class. So, it could be an embarrassment that the boss rides a bike to work. This could suggest that he is unimportant, and thus the people working for him are unimportant, too.
Bridging the Gap
In an Egalitarian culture:
- It’s okay to coordinate action, and even to express disagreement, with those who aren’t at your level in the organization
- In email, don’t copy the boss unless it’s clear to the recipient why you are doing so
- Meetings are attended by key stakeholders, regardless of level
- Don’t assume that seating represents a hierarchy
In a Hierarchical culture:
- Learn the hierarchy and use it to guide actions, such as greeting others and seating arrangements.
- Coordinate action with your peer level of leadership, or at least keep that person informed
- Your team will need your approval prior to taking action, and will defer to your opinion
- Address those at higher levels by their last name, unless they have established a 1st-name basis with you; allow your team to follow custom
Just so you know: "Dutch do not care at all who is the boss in the room.”