Cultural differences in perceptions of power: A cultural logics perspective

Abstract

Cross-cultural research has long recognized the significance of power relations and their outcomes for social interactions, yet little empirical work has explored this important construct in the context of the Cultural Logics framework. This study examined cultural differences in perceptions of collaborative versus coercive theories of power among members of dignity (USA), face (China), and honor (Egypt) cultures and considered the role of cultural norms as well as subjective worldviews in predicting those perceptions. Results showed overall endorsement of a collaborative theory of power over a coercive theory of power across cultures. Yet, there were also cultural differences in people’s perception of power. Agreement with a collaborative theory of power over a coercive theory of power was most pronounced among Chinese respondents and less evident among Egyptian and American respondents. Mediation analyses showed that these differences were mainly accounted for through less dangerous worldviews, as well as stronger endorsement of face and honor norms. The study provides novel insights into the different ways in which cultural contexts shape individual worldviews that legitimize coercive versus collaborative pathways to power and influence. It further refines our understanding of cultural logics beyond self-worth implications, highlighting their relevance for navigating power hierarchies.