PDI is Dealing With You Mercilessly

If, like me, you grew up closer to New Benin than New York or had the privilege of living in a London neighbourhood with “Osapa” as its charming prefix, then brace yourself because you’ve been unknowingly under the influence of a sneaky character called the Power Distance Index, or PDI for short. And let me tell you, it’s been quietly pulling the strings in your life, especially if you hail from regions like Nigeria, The Middle-East, and South America, where the PDI is sky-high. So, what in the world is this PDI?

Power Distance Index (PDI):

In a nutshell, PDI is like that nosy aunt at family gatherings who insists on arranging your life. It’s the measure of how much people in a society accept and expect unequal distribution of power. In countries with a high PDI, like Nigeria, it’s almost as if power dynamics have their own GPS, and you’re just a passenger.

DJ, break it down:

Now, let’s unravel the PDI mystery. Power Distance Index is like the invisible force that decides who gets the last piece of jollof rice at a party. In simple terms, it’s how we perceive and accept hierarchical power in our society. In high PDI cultures, like Nigeria, we’re conditioned to respect authority, even if it’s that aunt who harrasses you for a wife. It’s the reason you can’t question your lecturer’s questionable math, and why your office manager’s coffee orders suddenly become your responsibility.

The PDI Paradox:

But here’s where the PDI plot thickens. While this hierarchical respect can be a sign of cultural richness, it can also limit your potential, especially as a black or Asian immigrant. It’s like bringing a suitcase full of gratitude when you should be bringing a treasure chest of value. Instead of asserting your ideas at work, you find yourself nodding in passive agreement, as if you’re auditioning for a nodding competition. PDI can turn you into a polite bystander in your own life story, and that’s not the blockbuster we want.

PDI is Everywhere around us:

If you watch Nigeria’s Super Eagles play First-World teams, you can touch the respect from your TV all the way in Okokomaiko. Its that palpable. When you refuse to ask for a raise despite producing steller performances consistently, that’s PDI honey.

PDI, like an overbearing aunt at a family gathering, shapes the way we think, act, and interact with authority figures. In high PDI societies, respect for authority is a non-negotiable dish served at every meal like jollof and Kpomo(You can’t escape it). Your parents, elders, and even that neighbour who once shared a glance with your mom at the local market are all considered authority figures. And they expect respect?—?lots of it.

So is PDI just about Owambes and Jollofs?

What does this really have to do with us, black, Asian immigrants trying to make our mark? Well, quite a bit, my friend. You see, when you come from a place with a high PDI, it can leave an indelible mark on how you navigate the world, even when you’re continents away. Here’s how:

1. Gratitude Over Value: Growing up, you were probably taught to be respectful and show gratitude for even the smallest favors. While these are beautiful qualities, they can sometimes overshadow the importance of asserting yourself and showcasing the value you bring to the table.

2. Hesitation in Questioning Authority: High PDI societies often discourage questioning authority figures. So, even if your brilliant immigrant brain has innovative ideas, you might hesitate to voice them in fear of challenging the status quo.

3. Risk Aversion: In countries where hierarchy reigns supreme, taking risks can be frowned upon. But entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity thrive on taking calculated risks?—?something that might not come naturally if PDI has been your lifelong companion.

But fear not! Understanding the PDI influence is the first step toward reclaiming your power. So, my fellow New Benin neighbors and “Osapa London” pals. It’s never too late to break those chains and bring not just gratitude but immense value to the global table of opportunities. Let’s deal with PDI and make it work for us!

Breaking Free from the PDI Matrix:

So, how do you break free from the PDI matrix? It starts with awareness. Recognize that your background doesn’t define your potential. It’s about finding that balance between respect and asserting your ideas.

In the end, PDI may have shaped our upbringing, but it doesn’t have to dictate our future. So, the next time someone asks you to fetch water, remember that you’re also capable of making waves?—?not just in a glass but in the world.