Leadership influence in a high power distance and collectivist culture

Abstract

The frequently used influencing tactics in a relatively high collectivist and high power distance culture have been investigated. An exploratory study indicated that leaders used both implicit influence and more directive forms of influence. Empirical measures suggested that none of the western influence strategies were frequently used in Turkey. Analyses of influence incidents revealed that most frequently perceived influence behaviors were “granted power/authority” and “taking over responsibility” followed by “rationalizing and involving” and “pressure”. These findings, which seemed to be contradicting each other at the beginning, reflect the high collectivism, power distance and paternalism values found in Turkish culture.