Abstract：A Comparative Study on the Differences between Chinese and American Cultures from the Perspective of Power Distance Dimension focuses on the Sino-US culture and cultural differences, respectively lists five significant features of Chinese culture and American culture. In addition, it makes profound analysis and research of Sino-US cultural differences from the “power distance” dimension of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory, and illustrates the different manifestations of family relationship and the relationship between teachers and students on campus under the influence of the power distance differences to further explores the different manifestations in behavior in the intercultural communication. 

Through these analyzes and research, be it vertical leadership management style of Chinese or equal participation behavior of Americans, understanding and introduction should be given in intercultural communication, both of them have positive effect and influence. Chinese culture and American culture should learn from each other and develop together.

Keywords: Intercultural Communication; Power Distance; Hofstede; Cultural Dimensions Theory

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1.-Introduction-5

1.1 The current study on Chinese and American cultures from the perspective of power distance dimension-5

1.2 The importance and significance of the study on Chinese and American cultures from the perspective of power distance dimension-6

2.-Understanding culture and Chinese and American Cultures-7

2.1 Definitions of culture and related characteristics-7

2.1.1 A Simpler definition-7

2.1.2 Culture as shared meaning-7

2.1.3 Culture as behavioral rules-7

2.2 Definitions of intercultural communication and related characteristics-7

2.2.1 Expressions of intercultural communication-8

2.2.2 Features of intercultural communication-8

2.2.3 Different understanding of intercultural communication-8

2.3 Features of Chinese culture-9

2.3.1 There is class but no equality.-9

2.3.2 There is mighty but no weakness.-9

2.3.3 There is tradition but no innovation.-9

2.3.4 There is rule of man but no rule of law.-9

2.3.5 There is ritual but no rationality.-10

2.4 Features of American Culture-10

2.4.1 Individualism-10

2.4.2 Frankness and Euphemism-10

2.4.3 Independence and Cooperation-11

2.4.4 Money and Spirit-11

2.4.5 Multi-national integration and racial discrimination-11

3.-Understanding Power Distance-12

3.1 Definitions of Power Distance-12

3.2 Power distance index-12

4.-The differences between Chinese and American cultures shown in power distance-16

4.1 The reflection in family relationships-16

4.1.1 Marital relationship-16

4.1.2 Parenthood-16

4.1.3 Other family relationships-17

4.2 The reflection in teacher-student relationship-17

5.-Conclusion-17

5.1 The findings of the research-18

5.2 The suggestions for an effective intercultural communication between Chinese and Americans-18

References-19

Acknowledgements-19