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A two-factor scale of perceived power.
1Independent Researcher, Ulsan, South Korea.
This study introduces a new scale to measure personal power and social power distinctly. Findings show these power types influence behaviors like advice-seeking and reactions to service failures differently.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Power is crucial in social interactions, influencing outcomes and autonomy.
- Existing measures often conflate personal and social power, limiting nuanced understanding.
- Differentiating power facets is essential for accurate behavioral prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate a robust two-factor scale for perceived power.
- Distinguish between personal power (autonomy) and social power (influence over others).
- Investigate the unique behavioral consequences of each power dimension.
Main Methods:
- Validated a two-factor scale across twelve studies (N=2,878) using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.
- Assessed scale reliability and validity.
- Employed experimental manipulations and correlational designs to test differential predictions.
Main Results:
- The new scale reliably and validly differentiates personal and social power.
- Personal power was linked to increased proactive advice-seeking.
- Social power was associated with reduced advice-seeking and amplified negative reactions to service failures.
Conclusions:
- The validated scale offers a precise tool for measuring distinct power dimensions.
- Personal and social power have unique, divergent effects on behavior.
- This research advances the understanding of power dynamics in social and organizational contexts.

