Power Distance in Society

What it measures

The scale measures endorsement of hierarchy as a necessary and desirable feature of society — the belief that power differences and hierarchical order help maintain social stability. A related but distinct measure of power distance belief from the individual-level version, it was used alongside it to test how societal-level beliefs shape consumer reactions to company moral transgressions.

Response format

7-point Likert (1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree)

Scale items

• Hierarchy is necessary for social order.
• It is important for society to maintain a hierarchical order.
• Power differences are necessary in society.

Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Xu, Bolton, and Winterich (2021) adapted phrasing from a power distance measure by Zhang, Winterich, and Mittal (2010), using it across three studies with excellent reliability (α = .95–.98). Validity wasn't separately assessed, though its successful use as a manipulation check offers indirect support.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Xu, H., Bolton, L.E., & Winterich, K.P. (2021). How Do Consumers React to Company Moral Transgressions? The Role of Power Distance Belief and Empathy for Victims. Journal of Consumer Research, 48(1), 77–101.

Keywords