There's a strong sense of fairness here that is culturally reinforced.
There's nothing that can't be talked over, over a beverage or two either.
It could be the fact that our voting is mandatory, and if we have to vote then the people we vote in better be good at what they do.
It could be the heat during the summer months, or it could be the influence of the indigenous Aborigines (everything is shared equally and for the good of all).
I hadn't heard the expression "low power distance" but a Google search
found a scale of countries here: http://www.clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-cultural-dimensions/power-distance-index/
We aren't too far below the USA in that scale.
We also are quite open about our hourly rate, whereas I find that people the USA think it's a bad idea to compare them. People at the same level should be paid the same amount, etc.
RE: A Little Cultural Comparison