EXAMINATION EMPLOYEES’ PERCEPTIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL POWER DISTANCE BASED ON DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS: AN EMPIRICAL RESEARCH IN TRABZON PROVINCE

Abstract

The aims of this research are to determine the organizational power distance levels of the
employees, reveal the differences in the organizational power distance perceptions of the employees
based on various demographic variables, and determine the relationship between the subdimensions of organizational power distance. In this context, the “Organizational Power Distance”
scale was used to obtain data from 397 white-collar employees working in the communication,
banking, insurance, and food sectors in Trabzon province and its districts. The obtained data was
analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 statistical package program. When the findings were evaluated, it was
determined that while the employees perceived the sub-dimensions of accepting and consenting of
power at a moderate level, they experienced a low level of instrumental use of power and a very
low level of power legitimation in organizations. Based on the research findings, it was observed
that the perception of organizational power distance and its sub-dimensions shows significant
differences based on the age variable. In addition, it was concluded that the level of instrumental
use of power, which is one of the sub-dimensions of organizational power distance perception,
shows significant differences in the communication and food sectors. According to the results of the
correlation analysis, it has been determined that there are moderate and high-level, significant and
positive relationships between organizational power distance and its sub-dimensions.