Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between power distance and autocratic and democratic tendencies. Participants in the study were research assistants pursuing graduate degrees in the Sciences and Social Sciences Institutes of Balikesir University and prospective teachers pursuing undergraduate teaching degrees at Necatibey Education Faculty of Balikesir University in 2009 to 2010 academic year; a total of 278 people. The study is designed quantitatively and the “power distance scale” and democratic tendencies scale were used for data collection. Findings of the study showed that both research assistants and prospective teachers have low power distance and autocratic tendency scores and high democratic tendency scores. In addition, a positive and significant relationship was found between power distance and autocratic tendency, and a negative and significant one between power distance and democratic tendency.

Key words: Power distance, autocratic tendency, democratic tendency, organizational culture.