Cross-Cultural Awareness: How to Tell a Hierarchical from an Egalitarian Culture

The  Hierarchy Dimension of the CultureWizard Intercultural Model® is a potent one, as it both influences the structure of a society and has a dramatic impact on how the workplace operates. Its spectrum ranges from highly Hierarchical to highly Egalitarian – and it is critically important for a businessperson to be aware of the cultural differences at each end of that spectrum.

As a French American growing up in the U.S., I was taught that “Respect is earned, not given.” I therefore learned to embrace an Egalitarian ideology that continues to inform my intercultural relationships. When I spent a year in Côte d’Ivoire, however, I was immersed in a very Hierarchical culture, one in which education, occupation, and age strongly influence day-to-day interactions.

One evening, my friends and I were riding home in a taxi. We were startled when our driver suddenly pumped the breaks, and we looked up to see that metal barricades had been placed in the middle of the street. A police officer walked over and demanded our driver’s ID. His tone was stern, his body language relaxed and expectant. He knew that although the driver hadn’t committed a traffic violation, the officer could impose his authority because he ranked higher in this Hierarchical society. The driver—submissive—handed over his papers.

The officer’s status was garnered by his occupation. Ironically, as foreign women in government positions, my friends and I “outranked” the police officer, which ultimately helped us out of a messy situation. He apologized, and we left without incident.

Hierarchy plays a strong role in many cultures, so to avoid misunderstandings it is important to be aware of how people behave with respect to this cross-cultural Dimension. How do peers address one another? How do children address their parents? Their teachers? Do people discuss equal rights legislation? Do people take initiatives on their own, or do they wait to be “appointed”?

Here are 19 signposts to help improve your cross-cultural awareness in the Hierarchy Dimension. You’ll learn how to recognize the behaviors of Hierarchical and Egalitarian cultures, and have the chance to take a cross-cultural awareness quiz to test your learning.

Signs of Hierarchical Culture:

1. Titles and honorifics are often used. This is so people know where they rank in comparative status.
2. Education is highly regarded, and people share their education level and professional accomplishments.
3. Leaders and authority figures give explicit directions, and subordinates wait to be given instructions.
4. Senior members (in age, rank, etc.) have designated positions in a room or enter a room first.
5. People tend to work and socialize with those of the same status as themselves (e.g., in Indonesia, it would be inappropriate to invite your housekeeper to eat dinner with your family).
6. Family names are important as potential status.
7. Parents and elders are highly respected.
8. People endeavor to dress well (jewelry, brand names, etc.).
9. Rituals for greeting and communicating are very structured, especially with older generations (though this may shift depending on the people you are meeting).

1. Titles and honorifics are not used except in formal situations, and first names are expected.
2. While education is highly regarded, “self-made” individuals can move to the top level of society.
3. Equal rights and opportunities are codified under law.
4. Diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds work and socialize together.
5. Status and authority are usually gained through actions and merit, rather than family position, age or socioeconomic status.
6. People tend to frown on boastfulness.
7. Managers tend to be inclusive and act as coaches.
8. Teamwork is common.
9. Physical appearance or manner of dress is not necessarily an indicator of status.
10. People feel free to ask for responsibility and tasks, and are encouraged to take initiative.

Cross-Cultural Awareness Quiz: Hierarchical versus EgalitarianCultures

Now that you’re aware of the signs that differ most across Hierarchical and Egalitarian cultures, take the “You know you’re in an Egalitarian culture if …” quiz. Simply note the numbers of the statements that indicate an Egalitarian culture, and then scroll down to see the answer key below (correct answers are in boldface).

You Know You’re in An Egalitarian Culture If…

1. You can’t tell who’s in charge by the clothes they’re wearing.
2. The leader has the biggest office.
3. People speak up in meetings.
4. People use first names.
5. Diplomas and degrees are prominently displayed.
6. People don’t wait to be assigned tasks.
7. Informal language is typical.
8. People use titles and degrees on business cards.

Answer Key: You Know You’re in An Egalitarian Culture If…

1. You can’t tell who’s in charge by the clothes they’re wearing.
2. The leader the biggest office.
3. People speak up in meetings.
4. People use first names.
5. Diplomas and degrees are prominently displayed.
6. People don’t wait to be assigned tasks.
7. Informal language is typical.
8. People use titles and degrees on business cards.

To further improve your awareness of cross-cultural dynamics in the Hierarchy Dimension, read our detailed blog post, The Hierarchy Dimension: Key To Productivity In Intercultural Business Environments.