Power-Dependence (Value Chain)

Question 1

What is power and how to define it?

Answer 1

Power is a property of a social relation, not an attribute of an actor.
A’s power over B = A’s ability to overcome resistance of B

Question 2

Why does power accure?

Answer 2

Power resides in the other’s dependence.

P(AB) = D(BA)

Question 3

Why does dependence accure?

Answer 3

Dependence of B on A = ƒ (motivational investment by B in goals mediated by A and availability of alternatives)

Question 4

Balance and imbalance of power

Answer 4

It is the relative dependence between two parties in an exchange relationship that determines their relative power:

1. Low-Low: P(ab)=D(ba)=P(ba)=D(ab) [exit]
2. High-Low: P(ab)=D(ba) < P(ba)=D(ab) [strategies]
3. Low-High: P(ab)=D(ba) > P(ba)=D(ab) [strategies]
4. High-High: P(ab)=D(ba)=P(ba)=D(ab) [both incentive to stay]

Question 5

Strategies for dealing with imbalance (1-4)

Answer 5

1. Exit. Relationship dissolution.
2. Cultivate access to alternative sources.
   In a triad of equals (B-A-C), C can form a relationship with B, creating balance by closing the triad and thus reducing the power of A (platform exploitation)
3. A’s increased motivational investment in goals mediated by B.
4. Deny A alternative sources for achieving goals mediated by B.