# Proposing a SX Model with Cultural Factors
## 4 Analysis of Cultural Aspects in the SX Dimensions
### Power Distance (PD) and Student eXperience  
[PERSON] defines Power Distance (PD) as \"the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally\" [29]. Within his conception of an institution, as basic elements within a society, he considers schools. By extension of that concept, the Power Distance can be seen in HEI, such as universities and colleges. This concept is related to the subject's perception of an authority figure. The subjects in an organization can perceive paternalistic or autocratic treatment, to a greater or lesser extent. The relationship between subjects of different levels of authority is related to the dependency between people. Additionally, the emotional distance between subjects determines the degree of communication. This is because the degree of fear of the subordinates defines the ease of approaching and contradicting authorities directly.  
The Power Distance Index (PDI) indicates the degree of dependency of subjects under an authority figure in an organization/institution within a country. For a student from a country with a PDI score very different from that of the new country of residence, there could be culture shock. Consequently, anxiety or discomfort could be generated that could affect the perceived quality and satisfaction with respect to the services provided by an HEI.  
Within an HEI, there may be student-teacher or student-administrator relationships. Considering the hierarchical structure of the institutions and the services they provide, we believe that the Power Distance is mainly related to the Institutional Engagement in the social dimension of the SX; the relationship of the students with the Educational/Support Services in the educational dimension; and the Student Feelings and Emotions, and Student Development and Outcomes in the personal dimension. To a lesser extent, the distance to power could be evidenced in the student's Community Relationship, in the social dimension, and in the environmental aspects in the educational and personal dimension, in situations in which they interact with subjects in a high position in the HEI.  
Studies related to Power distance have been conducted on subjects not necessarily directly involved in business settings. This includes the use of students as test subjects [30]. It has been observed that students scoring high on power distance tend to have thoughts related to \"Having few desires,\" \"Moderation, following the middle way,\" and \"Keeping oneself disinterested and pure.\" Students in countries scoring low on power distance tend to have thoughts related to \"Adaptability\" and \"Prudence.\" It is important to mention that it has been observed that student power distance affects classroom activity and interaction [41]. In this way, the importance of analyzing this cultural dimension is evident when developing solutions that aim to improve the SX.  
Table 2, built from the empirical analysis of the PD elements, relates the general norm, family, school, and healthcare values to the factors that make up the SX dimensions.