Power Notes

�Power and Interdependency

  Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others and to resist their influence on us.

Sources of Power

  From an interdependency perspective, power is based on the control of valuable resources.

�One need not necessarily possess these resources; one needs only to control access to them.

�One�s power varies with the other person�s desire and   need for the resource.

�One�s power is reduced if the desired resources are   readily available elsewhere.

  The principle of lesser interest observes that the   partner who is less dependent on the   relationship � who desires it less � has more   power in that relationship.

  If your partner loves and needs you more than you love him or her, you�llget to do what you want more often than not.

�Types of Power Relationships

�How power is distributed

�complementary relationships: uneven division of power; one person controls the relationship more

�competitive symmetric: both want more control

�submissive symmetric: neither wants to take control 

�parallel: control goes back and forth, based on the situation

Sources of Power

  In almost all relationships, the partners both have power over each other, so that each is able to get the other to do what he or she wants some of the time.

  Thus, one partner�s ability to influence the other is often matched by considerable counterpowerof the other partner over the first.

Types of Resources

�Reward power  is the ability to bestow desired rewards; these may be either tangible, material goods or intangible, interpersonal benefits.

�Legitimate power exists when one partner has a reasonable right � by dint of authority, equity, or reciprocity � to tell the other what to do.

�Referent power emerges from respect and love for a partner.  Affection and adoration from another provides one some ability to influence that other person.

�Expert power exists when one partner has superior knowledge and experience that is recognized and acknowledged by the other.

�Informational power exists when one partner has specific pieces of information that the other wants.

�Coercive power  is the ability to levy unwanted punishments, doing something a partner doesn't like, or taking away something the partner does like.

�When coercive power is used, the other powers the person once had will be diminished.