Title: Learning About Power Distance Through My Experience at Walgreens While working as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens, I experienced a situation that helped me recognize the cultural differences related to authority and communication in the workplace. Our team included several employees from different cultural backgrounds, including a shift lead who had immigrated from South Asia. While I had always been encouraged by previous managers to speak up, ask questions, or suggest improvements, I noticed this new shift lead preferred a more formal structure and expected decisions to come from the top. At one point, I suggested reorganizing the back storage area for efficiency. I brought it up casually during our morning huddle, expecting to have a collaborative discussion. However, the shift lead seemed uncomfortable and quickly redirected the topic without acknowledging the idea. Later that day, a coworker who was also from South Asia mentioned that, in some cultures, it's considered inappropriate to challenge or question a supervisor's decisions in front of others. That was a moment of realization for me. After learning about Hofstede's Power Distance Index, this experience makes a lot more sense. The United States is a low power distance culture, meaning we generally value flat organizational structures and open communication, regardless of rank. Employees often feel empowered to contribute ideas and challenge authority respectfully. However, countries like India tend to have a higher power distance, where hierarchy is respected more strictly, and it is common for decisions to flow from the top down. Looking back, I realized that my shift lead wasn't being dismissive, they were responding based on their cultural understanding of workplace roles. If I had known this at the time, I might have approached the situation more privately or with more formal language to show respect. Understanding Hofstede's cultural dimensions has helped me become more culturally sensitive at work. Rather than assuming everyone shares my communication style or comfort level with leadership, I now take time to consider cultural perspectives. I also try to create a more inclusive environment by adjusting my approach based on who I'm speaking with. This experience taught me that effective communication in a diverse workplace goes beyond words, it includes awareness of cultural values and expectations. Thanks to Hofstede's Power Distance Index, I have gained insight into how perceptions of authority can shape workplace interactions, and I continue to apply this awareness in my daily work at Walgreens