1. The document discusses different perspectives on the concept of power, including the dynamic interdependence view which sees power as existing in relationships rather than individuals, and the trait-factor view which sees power as a disposition to influence others. 2. It also discusses the bases of power, including reward, coercive, legitimate, referent, expert, and informational power. High-power members tend to use strategies to maintain the status quo, while low-power members want to change the situation. 3. Indirect uses of power through group norms and the concept of the "group mind" are also examined, with norms able to influence behavior through conformity or compliance, and the group mind influencing collective behavior.

1. USING POWER
Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills
11th Edition
David W. Johnson
Frank P. Johnson

2. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-2
Definition of Power
Power has different meanings for different people in different
situations
We first need to find out the answers to several questions
before we can identify what power is.
Where is the power?
Who is using the power?
How is it being used?

3. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-3
What kind of power is the power you
described?
What perspective of power is used?
Constructive? Destructive?
Direct? Indirect?
What View of Power?
Person? Position?
Place? Situation?
Relationship?
What Base of Power is used?
Reward? Coercive? Legitimate?
Referent? Expert? Informational?

4. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-4
Outline of Chapter Topics
1. Nature Of Power
Constructive Vs. Destructive Uses Of Power
Two Views Of Power:
• Dynamic Interdependence View Of Power
• Trait-Factor View Of Power
2. Bases Of Power
3. Unequal Power
• High Power Members
• Low Power Members
4. Indirect Power:
• Group Norms
• Group Mind

5. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-5
Power pg. 219
“the capacity to affect the outcomes of oneself, others,
and the environment”
Two Major Theories:
•Dynamic-Interdependence: Who Influences Whom Changes Constantly As
Individuals Strive To Achieve Mutual Goals
•Trait Factor: Disposition To Exert Power Over Other People
Constructive Vs. Destructive Use Of Power:
•Constructive: Increases Group Effectiveness, Benefits All Group Members,
Encouraged By All Group Members
•Destructive Increases Self-Benefit, Forces Others To Do Something They Do
Not Wish To Do

6. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-6
What is Power? Pg. 219
___ Person
___ Position
___ Place
___ Situation
___ Relationship
a. Power is a quality of a
relationship in which each party
influences the other
b. Situational factors determine the
level of power of each person
c. Positions contain power, such as
the presidency of a corporation
or the chair of a committee.
d. Power is a trait that some
individuals have, usually because
they were born with it
e. Certain churches, mosques, or
ancient sites such as Stonehenge
have power

7. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-7
Constructive Vs. Destructive Power
pg. 220
Defined as: successful influence that overcomes the other’s unwillingness to
perform the desired behavior.
Constructive when:
1. Used to enhance, rather than reduce, the achievement of the group goals,
the quality of relationships among members and the group’s adaptation to its
environment.
2. It is used for others’ benefit and the common goal (not one’s own)
3. When it is invited, not imposed, by others

8. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-8
Constructive Vs. Destructive Power
Pg. 221
Defined as: successful influence that overcomes the other’s unwillingness to
perform the desired behavior.
Destructive:
Dominant view:
Power is negative and destructive. “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute
power tends to corrupt absolutely.” (Lord Acton)

9. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-9
The Dynamic Interdependence View of Power
Pg. 220
The dynamic interdependence view of power states that power
exists in relationships (not in individuals). Therefore, the
nature power depends on the type of interdependence found
in a groups
Dynamic-Interdependence View of Power: positive and
essential for mutual enhancement
Who is influencing whom and to what degree changes
constantly as members strive to achieve the group’s goals.

10. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-10
Power in Competitive Context pg. 221
Defined as: successful influence that overcomes the other’s unwillingness to
perform the desired behavior.
Currently dominating approach among social scientists and power holders
Power is viewed as:
– A fixed-pie resource (total power available is limited)
– A zero-sum resource (the more power for A, the less power for B)
– A commodity to be accumulated (individuals in power remain in power)
– Acting in a unidirectional way (dominant persons influence the weak)
– Inherently coercive (over-ride reluctance and resistance)
Limits other uses of power (based on trust and power sharing) -- Pg. 222
Evokes reactance – the need to reestablish a person’s freedom whenever it is
threatened.

11. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-11
Power in Cooperative Context
Pg. 223
Defined as: successful influence used to maximize joint
benefits, and enhance the group’s effectiveness
Power is viewed as
– Expandable
– To be shared
– Acting in bidirectional way
– Inherently noncoercive
– Asymmetrical
– Based on expertise, competence, and access to information
Largely ignored in the literature
Research on people with cooperative cognitive orientation to
power
inducibility – openness to influence

12. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-12
Mobilizing Power to Achieve Goals Pg. 225
1. Determine your goals
2. Determine your relevant resources
3. Determine your needed coalitions
4. Negotiate mutual support contracts
5. Implement the contracts

13. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-13
Power and Persuasion
(page 228)
The Power and Persuasion approach states that “influence
is a function of the characteristics of both the person
exerting the influence and the person receiving the
influence.”
Power
Depends on the
characteristics of both
people

14. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-14
What can cause influence?
Age Understanding Vs. Peer Pressure Gullible?
Gender Men: “Stop doing that or you’ll die early”
Women: “Stop doing that and you’ll feel better”
Culture Individualism Vs. Collectivism
Rational argument Vs. Harmony/Guanxi
Listening Vs. Favors for help
Grades/Marks High grades = less inducibility
Low grades = gullible
Self Esteem Low = No Medium = Yes High = No
Emotions Fear/Anxiety = more willing to yield
Confident/Open-minded = willing to listen
Credibility Authority can only persuade authoritarians
Authoritarians need threats / Non-authoritarians
need rewards

15. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-15
• Reward power -
• Coercive power -
• Legitimate power -
• Referent power -
• Expert power -
• Informational power -
The Bases of Power
Pg. 230

16. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Power and Problem Solving
Groups are more effective at solving problems when
• Power is relatively balanced among its members
• Power is based upon competence, expertise, and information

17. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-17
Unequal Power (page 238)
High-power members
• Want to maintain their power
• Will use L.E.A.D. strategy
– ___________own privileges and intimidate low-
power individuals
– _____________ (making themselves better)
– _________low-power success to own control
– _______low-power individuals and their contributions
Low-power members
• Want to change the situation
• Will use C.O.R.E. strategy
– ___________, compliant, yielding in interactions
with high-power members
– Attribution of causes of group success to _____efforts
– ___________ psychological reactance, obstruction of
high-power members’ efforts
– Negative ___________ of high-power individuals

18. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-18
High Power Members Pg. 238-242
Happy with the situation
Hard to move toward cooperation, conciliation, and compromise
Two strategies to keep the status quo:
• Institute rules and norms to legitimize their power (“might-is-right”)
• Deter low-power group members from rocking the boat by applying carrot
and stick method (“if-only-you-would-behave-neither-of-us-would-go-
through-this-suffering”)
The metamorphic effects of high power - seeing oneself as a God
Status and power – entitled (given) special privileges
Power stereotyping theory – stereotyping subordinates because they pay less
attention to them
Oppression – repeated, widespread, systemic injustices, involving the legal system
(slavery, apartheid, sufferage)

19. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-19
Low Power Members Strategies Pg. 244-5
Build Coalitions
Educate And Morally Persuade
Bring High-Power Group Members To Negotiating Table:
• Use Existing Legal Procedures To Pressure For Change
• Use Obstruction Or Harassment To Increase High-Power Members’ Costs
• Terrorism – politically motivated violence against noncombatant targets
Metamorphic Effects Of Low-Power – causing people to break down
Relationships Among Low-Power Groups – people of the same power are
attracted to one another
Revenge – (payback) – when one person feels mistreated (even the score)

20. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-20
Group Norms: Indirect Power Pg. 246
Conforming To Group Norms:
• ____________: Changes In Behavior Resulting From
Group Influences (I believe in the group more than myself)
• __________: Behavioral Change Without Internal
Acceptance (I will do what you say, but I don’t agree)
Implementing Group Norms
1. Recognize the norm exists
2. View the norm as helpful to achieving goals
3. Feeling of ownership of the norm
4. Enforce and follow the norm
5. Practice the norm
6. Adopt cultural norms that are helpful to the group’s goals
7. Know that norms are flexible; things can change if needed

21. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-21
The Group Mind
Collective Behavior: To Spontaneously Perform Atypical Actions Such As
Riots Or Mass Hysteria
Reasons
1. _______In Mob Individuals Act Impulsively Unreasonably, Extreme Ways
• Anonymity: People Feel Less Responsible For Actions
• _________: Emotion States Spreads From Person To Person
2. Convergence Theory: People With Compatible Motivations Release
Previously Controlled Behaviors
3. Emergent Norm Theory: Heterogeneous Individuals Adhere To Current
Norms
Deindividuation Theory: State Of Relative Anonymity, Members Do Not Feel
Identifiable

22. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-22
Summary
1. Power
Dynamic Interdependence Approach
Trait Factor Approach
2. Bases Of Power
3. Unequal Power
○ High-Power Members
○ Low-Power Members
4. Indirect Use Of Power
○ Norms
○ Group Mind

23. Chapter 6
POWER
Review Questions

24. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-24
Terms and Definitions
1. 5 steps to mobilizing power
2. Collective Behavior
3. Compliance
4. Conformity
5. Contagion
6. Deindividuation
7. Goals
8. Inducibility
9. Norms
10. Power
11. Reactance
12. Revenge
13. Social Dominance
14. Terrorism
1 - 225
2 - 249
3 - 247
4 - 247
5 - 250
6 - 250
7 - 225
8 - 223
9 - 246
10 - 219
11 - 222
12 - 245
13 - 229
14 - 244

25. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-25
Distinguish the Differences Between
Constructive and Destructive Powers - 220
Constructive
Also known as:
Expandable or limited?
Direction?
Shared
Coercion level
Based upon _________
Destructive
Also known as:
Expandable or limited?
Direction?
Shared
Coercion level
Based upon _________

26. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-26
Approaches to Power
Dynamic Interdependence Approach
To Power – Pg. 222
Dynamic
Holistic
Phenomenological
Deductive
Distributed
Inevitable
Essential, Pervasive
Trait Factor Approach
To Power – Pg. 228
Static
Atomistic
Historical
Inductive

27. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-27
Bases of Power
Power
1. Reward
2. Coercive
3. Legitimate
4. Referent
5. Informational
6. Expert
Example
a. Phones at dinner table are not permitted.
b. I’m a soldier, but never in a war; I am still a
hero?
c. Late 15 minutes = 2 hours extra work OR no
pay for the day.
d. Lyle has studied English in Canada. He’s our
team leader for Marketing class.
e. “Could you do me a favor?”
f. People really should change their password to
Bb.

28. Johnson. Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, 11e.
© 2013, 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved
6-28
Unequal Power
High-Power Members
– Pg. 239
L: ________
E: ________
A: ________
D: ________
Low-Power Members –
Pg. 243
C – ________, ______
O – ________
R – ________
E – ________