Affect and Social Exchange: Satisfaction in Power-Dependence Relations

Recent theory and research on social exchange neglects a central concern of early exchange theorists: the satisfaction of actors with their relations. I apply the framework of contemporary exchange theory to the analysis of satisfaction using data from a series of experiments on power in exchange ne...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American sociological review 1991-08, Vol.56 (4), p.475-493
Main Author: Molm, Linda D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coefficients
Computer networks
Dependency
Dependency (Psychology)
Distributive justice
Dominance
Dyadic relations
Exchange Theory
Experiments
Fairness
Interpersonal communication
Interpersonal relationships. Groups. Leadership
Power
Procedural justice
Reward power
Satisfaction
Social exchange theory
Social Interaction
Social Power
Social psychology
Social research
Social theories
Sociology
Theory
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Summary:Recent theory and research on social exchange neglects a central concern of early exchange theorists: the satisfaction of actors with their relations. I apply the framework of contemporary exchange theory to the analysis of satisfaction using data from a series of experiments on power in exchange networks. I investigate four main questions: (1) how the base of power (reward or punishment) affects the relation between outcomes and satisfaction; (2) how within- and between-relation outcome comparisons affect satisfaction in negatively-connected exchange networks; (3) how dynamic exchange processes, net of exchange outcomes, affect satisfaction; and (4) how actors' positions of power affect each of these relations. Based on a theoretical analysis of how the structure, process, and outcomes of exchange should affect actors' expectations, I test predictions of their effects on satisfaction. The results provide substantial support for the hypotheses.
ISSN:0003-1224
1939-8271
DOI:10.2307/2096269