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Low power individuals in social power research: A quantitative review, theoretical framework, and empirical test

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  • Schaerer, Michael
  • du Plessis, Christilene
  • Yap, Andy J.
  • Thau, Stefan

Abstract

We examine the role of low-power individuals in social power research. A multi-method literature review reveals that low-power individuals may be insufficiently understood because many studies lack necessary control conditions that allow drawing inferences about low power, effects are predominantly attributed to high power, and qualitative reviews primarily focus on how high-power individuals feel, think, and behave. Challenging the assumption that low power tends to produce opposite consequences of high power, we highlight several similarities between the two states. Based on social exchange theories, we propose that unequal-power (vs. equal-power) relationships make instrumental goals, competitive attitudes, and exchange rules salient, which can cause both high- and low-power individuals to behave similarly. Two experiments suggest that although low-power individuals sometimes behave in opposite ways to high-power individuals (i.e., they take less action), at other times they behave similarly (i.e., they objectify others to the same extent). We discuss the systematic study of low-power individuals and highlight methodological implications.

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  • Schaerer, Michael & du Plessis, Christilene & Yap, Andy J. & Thau, Stefan, 2018. "Low power individuals in social power research: A quantitative review, theoretical framework, and empirical test," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 73-96.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:149:y:2018:i:c:p:73-96
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2018.08.004
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    9. Hoever, Inga J. & Betancourt, Nathan E. & Chen, Guoquan & Zhou, Jing, 2023. "How others light the creative spark: Low power accentuates the benefits of diversity for individual inspiration and creativity," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
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    13. Giurge, Laura M. & Van Dijke, Marius & Zheng, Michelle Xue & De Cremer, David, 2021. "Does power corrupt the mind? The influence of power on moral reasoning and self-interested behavior," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 115322, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    14. Schaerer, Michael & Foulk, Trevor & du Plessis, Christilene & Tu, Min-Hsuan & Krishnan, Satish, 2021. "Just because you're powerless doesn't mean they aren't out to get you: Low power, paranoia, and aggression," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 1-20.
    15. Khenfer, Jamel & Shepherd, Steven & Trendel, Olivier, 2020. "Customer empowerment in the face of perceived Incompetence: Effect on preference for anthropomorphized brands," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 1-11.
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    19. Williams, Melissa J. & Lopiano, Gabrielle & Heller, Daniel, 2022. "When the boss steps up: Workplace power, task responsibility, and engagement with unpleasant tasks," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).

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