1. Chapter 4 Power: The Structure of Conflict

2. Definitions of Power  Definitions focus on whether the power is: –Distributive (either/or) –Integrative (both/and –Designated (power to a certain relationship)  Power brings out varying emotional responses in people and it is an extremely difficult concept to define!

3. Distributive Power (Either/Or)  When relationships begin to deteriorate, power concerns increase  Either/or power is the type in the typical “power struggle”  Most people in a struggle believe that the other person has more power  Focuses on win/lose instead of rights and interests  Tends to be a male approach to power

4. Integrative Power (both/and)  Power is framed in terms of rights and interests  Most people think of power in terms of “win/lose” but successful and ongoing relationships require a broader view of “power”  This type of power is the choice of people in many cultures and for women in our culture

5. Designated Power  This type of power involves giving power to some other group or entity  People place power into some other group or entity (like the military, teachers, elected officials, the police) and then draw on that power when they don’t have enough on their own to solve a problem

6. Who owns the power?  A common misconception is that power resides in a particular person  Power is not an attribute of a person – it is a product of the social relationship in which certain qualities become important and valuable to others  This is the “relational theory of power”

7. Currencies of Power Within a Relationship  Resource control (e.g. parents with car keys)  Interpersonal linkages (e.g., being a liaison between two groups that wouldn’t know much about each other without you)  Communication skills (e.g. Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton)  Expertise (e.g. being an expert in something or having great skill in social interaction)

8. Assessing Power: A Relational View  When working through conflict, always remember that: –Each person firmly believes that the other person has more power!!  People in organizations have power when they: –Are in a position to deal with important problems –Have control over valued resources –Can bring problems and resources together –Are centrally connected in the work flow –Are not easily replaced –Have successfully used their power in the past