Punishment Power: A Balancing Process in Power-Dependence Relations

Abstract

This article analyzes exchange networks that provide actors with two sources of power: power over rewards to others and power over punishment of others. Theoretical analysis of unequal power relations suggests that punishment is the most likely power strategy of actors who are disadvantaged members of relations imbalanced on reward power. A structural advantage in punishment power should provide these actors with the potential means to balance power in the relation. Previous findings have suggested, however, that the high reward dependence of these actors can constrain their use of punishment. This study shows that the use and effects of punishment are significantly altered by the average levels of reward power and punishment power in the relation. The power-balancing effect of punishment is most likely to occur when an actor lacking reward power has punishment power that is strong relative to the other actor's but weak in absolute strength.