An Empirical Examination of Social Power in Terms of Decision Theory.
Abstract
The paper presents an extension of decision theory to the analysis of social power. The power of a person, A, over another person, B, is viewed in terms of the effect A has on B's decision. The analysis is based on the idea that B's decision regarding the performance of alternative behaviors is a function of (1) B's utility for the consequences of the behavior and (2) B's subjective probabilities that the behaviors will lead to these consequences. In these terms, A's power over B is seen to lie in A's ability to mediate various consequences for B, contingent upon B's compliance or non-compliance. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0787592
Entities
People
- Lee Roy Beach
- Terence Mitchell
- William E. Pollard
Organizations
- University of Washington