Power Distance

SUMMARY

Power distance is a cultural indicator that allows us to examine a society’s understanding of political leadership, as well as its perceptions of democracy, inequality, and accountability. Having previously measured this indicator in February 2017 and February 2020, we include it again in the January 2026 barometer. This enables the report to analyze how different segments of society, across demographic groups and political preferences, perceive the gap between their demand for democracy or authoritarianism and their actual experience.

Based on the international GLOBE study, the question set we designed includes two sets of items that allow calculation of both individuals’ desired power distance and the power distance currently experienced in the country.

• Questions about the current situation in our country: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?

1- People in this country are expected to question their leaders. (1) * People in this country are expected to obey their leaders without question. (7)

2- Power is widely distributed/shared across society in this country. (1) * Power is concentrated at the top in this country. (7)

• Questions about how you think the situation SHOULD BE: Which of the following statements do you agree with more?

3- People in this country should question their leaders. (1) * People should obey their leaders without question. (7)

4- Power in this country should be widely distributed/shared across society. (1) * Power in this country should be concentrated at the top. (7)