Snippet

The ambiguous definition of "Power"


In the entertainment business we will deal a lot with interacting in groups and in those groups we will always have to deal with "who has greater power." Here is what I think about a chapter I read called "Motivations Underlying Power Dynamics in Hierarchically Structured Groups”. Reading this helped me understand better why people are motivated to improve their power position. This talks about different theories that have come out of this behavior within groups and that have being formed to understand power dynamics. For example it mentions the "dominance behavior" which is a type of dynamic used to establish power. It is when people who talk more, who are louder and who start more social interactions often receive higher status of power in the group. It mentions and defines other strategies that people use for power maintenance. 

 Many people relate the word power with strength, force, authority or control, but if we study its true meaning we can see that it’s much more than that. After reading this about power I have learned that power’s definition has to do more with influence and with the ability or capacity to perform or act effectively. If we were to make this the official definition of power, then we would interpret that everybody possesses power. In every interaction with others, all members will have a possible position of power. 
The chapter says that “the power you wield is dependent on the relationships you have with group members and no group member is completely powerless, the interconnectedness of components in as system means that all group members have some influence even if it's to resist or to defy the group.” This is also highlighted in the begging of the chapter when it says that “support from other group members is vital to improve or secure one’s position”.  This means that if a specific person in a group has been given the position with most power is only with the support and approval of the other members. 
I think everyone has there own definition of power, its a term too ambiguous. My personal opinion about everything stated in this chapter is that there will be a sense of power in every interaction between two or more people. This is because differences exist between every individual and depending on the circumstances, power will be handed automatically to who has dominant influence in the interaction. For example, who ever dominates the topic, who ever has more knowledge or experience etc. The size of the power will also depend and vary on context, genders, cultures, education and even people’s values. 
What do you think defines power between people? 

Show 0 Comments
Categories:

Leave a Reply