Behavioral Measurement of Operating Power Structures: Characterizations of Asymmetrical Interaction

Abstract

Several objective measures of interpersonal power are described in terms of the relative amount of control achieved in the exchange of compliant and noncompliant behavior. These measures express differentials in the relative symmetry-asymmetry of operating power structures. Several measures which characterize social relationships and more general group structures (rather than individual positions) are also suggested. All of the measures have ratioscale properties and may be used to test a variety of hypotheses concerning configurations of group power structures and the conditions which produce them. The measures are illustrated with data from two experiments dealing with interpersonal control of behavior.