Personal Power

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that there are many different views on the use of personal power, both negative and positive. The paper points out that assumptions about power are often found in the person's use of language. The paper gives examples of feeling guilty about the use of power and of ways to use power effectively, For example, the paper explains that, if a person wants a relationship to continue successfully over a long period of time, he will have to continually re-adjust the power balance according to the circumstances.

From the Paper:

"All power is relationally connected. Being powerful is not a personal quality or characteristic or a "thing" that a person possesses. Somebody has to grant it to you because you have currencies they value. Power arises from the relationship dynamics. The situation helps to determine the power a person has in a relationship. Take, for example, the situation of domestic abuse. The husband verbally abuses his wife and seems to have "all the power" in the relationship."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hocker, J. L. and Wilmot, W. W. (2007). Interpersonal conflict. Seventh Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.

More papers on Personal Power:

• Analytical Essay # 139750 : "Power of the Individual"
• Comparison Essay # 96110 : "Power and Politics in Business"
• Analytical Essay # 58201 : "Power Struggle in "Barchester Towers"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: