Chapter 11.1
Define Power
•The ability to influence others and/or control resources.
Define Relative Power
The amount of power that one person possesses in relation to another person.
Define Referent Power
A person’s power based off how dynamic and likable they are.
What kind of phenomena is dominance
It is a relational phenomena that reflects communication skill
What are the indicators of physical appearance of Power in Men?
Men who are trying to gain power are best served by:
•Clean-shaven if young; well-groomed beard if older
•Short hair
•Conservative dress
•Height is particularly important for men
Define the four other aspects of power
•Power is a universal goal/need.
•Power is a psychological phenomenon.
•Power can be achieved through status and/or dominance.
•Relative power refers to the distribution of power in relationships.
Define Coercive power
•Power based off of a person’s ability to punish others.
A person's position within a hierarchy
A person can have earned status or simply be a figurehead
Status can lead to power
What are proxemic and haptic indicators of Power?
•Higher status people are given:
•More personal space
•The right to invade others’ space and touch others
•Territorial control (such as gatekeepers)
•Centrality of Position
What is the caveat to appearance as an indicator of power?
Powerful people can violate these norms
What are the types of powers?
Objective
Actual
relative
coercive
reward
legitimate
expert
referent
Define Reward Power
Power based on a person’s ability to provide someone with valued resources or outcomes.
Define Dominance?
•A communication style that typically involves assertiveness and interactional control.
What are the Kinesic Indicators of Power?
Dominant individuals tend to be:
•More Expansive in terms of posture and gestures
•More relaxed, but upright rather than slumped
•Use direct, steady gaze and direct body orientation when speaking
•Have the prerogative to look and turn away when others are speaking
Chronemic and Environmental Cues of Power
People with Status usually:
•Have the prerogative to make others wait, but are not kept waiting.
•Are given larger, more private spaces.
•Have powerful artifacts around them
Dominant people usually:
•Control talk time
•Are judged as skillful
Define objective power
People who have power because they control certain resources.
Define Legitimate Power
Based on the perception that a person has the “right” or “authority to be in charge.
How is dominance achieved?
Through Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
What are the Vocalic Indicators of Power
•Have attractive, resonant voices
•Show variation in pitch
•Interrupt more often, speak longer
•Speak at a somewhat faster rate and with slightly louder volume than average (although strategically lowering volume can be powerful in some cases)
•Be articulate and clear, with sharper enunciation of consonants (also denotes status.)
•James Earl Jones Voice-Darth Vader
What is the first principle of physical potency and define it?
1.The Principle of Threat: Demonstrate the willingness to fight and back up that threat. (e.g., raised fist, threat stare, scowls, steady extended gaze, angry facial expressions).
Define Actual Power
People who hold power because other people value the resources they control.
Define Expert Power
Rooted in a person’s level of specialized knowledge
When does dominance occur?
When someone's communication style influences others
What are the Physical Appearance as indicators of Power in women?
•Women who are trying to gain power are best served by:
•Short to shoulder-length hair worn down
•Conservative dress
•Minimal jewelry (earrings, necklace, one ring)
•Attractive but not sexy
What is the second principle of physical potency and define it?
2.The Principle of Size & Strength: Demonstrated through body bulk, weight, muscularity & general large size and/or height [bigger is better].