Deck 4: Power: the Structure of Conflict

Question 1

According to the text, some "power moves" are productive, not destructive.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Empowerment is most likely when

A) Communication behaviors are ineffective combined with excessive use of power.
B) Expressions of interpersonal power are sufficient and communication behaviors are effective.
C) Communication behaviors are effective and an individual has very low interpersonal power.
D) Expressions of interpersonal power are excessive and communication behaviors are effective.
E) None of the above

Answer 2

B

Question 3

According to your text, sometimes it is more appropriate to settle disputes on the basis of "rights," rather than power or interests.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an example of denying the use of power?

A) Deny that you communicated anything.
B) Deny that remember what was communicated.
C) Deny that the other person communicated anything.
D) Deny that you meant what you said.
E) Deny the situation in which it was communicated.

Question 5

Jake is always careful to arrive on time for work. He knows that his boss will dock his pay for any missed hours. Jake's boss what kind of power over him?

A) Interpersonal linkages
B) Resource control
C) Expertise
D) Communication skills
E) Responsibility

Question 6

If you are in a low power situation or relationship, the authors of your text suggest you accept it because there isn't a lot you can do about it.

Question 7

The "Power Paradox" means that the more you struggle against someone, and the more you fight with her/him, the more power you have.

Question 8

Which of the following is the most accurate statement about power currencies?

A) Power currencies are independent of one another.
B) Individuals generally have only one or two currencies to use.
C) Developing a repertoire of currencies can help lead to the sharing and balance of power.
D) Power currencies cannot be exchanged.
E) Exclusive reliance on one power currency is a good idea in most contexts.

Question 9

Imagine you are looking for a new job. You know that your friend, Alicia, knows the Vice-president of a company where you would like to work. Your text would describe Alicia's influence on you as:

A) Interpersonal linkages
B) Resource control
C) Expertise
D) Communication skills
E) Responsibility

Question 10

When Ken's parents died, his sister was named as the executor of their estate. She gave all of the "good" furniture to her kids and left only one old dresser for Ken's kids. He was furious with her, especially in this time of grief. Even though Ken felt "low power," he decided to maintain his relationship with his sister and encouraged his kids not to bring up the issues with their cousins. Ken's decision is an example of which of the following moves Lerner suggests that people in low-power positions adopt:

A) Speak up and present a balanced picture of strengths as well as weaknesses.
B) Make clear what one's beliefs, values, and priorities are, and maintain congruent behaviors.
C) Stay emotionally connected to significant others even when things get intense.
D) State differences, and allow others to do the same.
E) All of the above

Question 11

Hocker and Wilmot contend that power is not owned by an individual, but is a product of a social relationship.

Question 12

The fundamental concept in conflict is

A) power.
B) persuasion.
C) compromise.
D) collaboration.
E) relationships.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is NOT of competitive power?

A) Competitive power can be useful.
B) Competition can lead to collaboration.
C) All forms of power are always in a state of change.
D) Competitive power is appropriate when protecting children.
E) People with sufficient power currencies should never use them competitively.

Question 14

According to the text, if you aren't the "boss" at work, you don't really have any power.

Question 15

"I don't remember saying that" is an example of "denial of power."

Question 16

While preparing to teach an online course, Julie regularly seeks out the assistance of Tony, the technology support person at her university. Julie understands that Tony has vast knowledge regarding the software and course management system she needs to use. Your book would describe the "power currency" Tony has in this scenario as:

A) Interpersonal linkages
B) Resource control
C) Expertise
D) Communication skills
E) Responsibility

Question 17

In intimate relationships, generally, the person who is least invested in the relationship has the most power.

Question 18

In terms of gender, "both/and" power is often the first choice of women in U. S. culture.

Question 19

Not using all the power you have access to can be an effective conflict management tool.

Question 20

Latisha appreciates the fact that she has been trained in the art of public address because she finds that in many situation she can employ her ____________ as a power currency.

A) Interpersonal linkages
B) Resource control
C) Expertise
D) Communication skills
E) Responsibility

Question 21

Discuss productive "low-power" strategies.

Question 22

Hocker and Wilmot contend that the person least invested in an intimate relationship has the most power. Do you agree or disagree? Explain, using specific examples to support your view. Finally, discuss the impact that imbalanced power could have on an intimate relationship, including the ways in which they manage conflict.

Question 23

What does it mean to say that "power is relational?" Provide specific examples to support you explanation.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT likely to balance the power in a conflict?

A) Validating or acknowledging the other
B) Announcing all intended escalation
C) Asking the higher power person what they need
D) Expressing optimism
E) Using I statements

Question 25

Differentiate between distributive and integrative power.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT an example of "metacommunication" used to balance power?

A) "Ok - so we have agreed that we will not bring up the issue of infidelity as we work out this issue."
B) "I am concerned that Sam is in a one-down position here since he has not been in the company that long and people may not pay attention to his ideas."
C) "You sure act like you are the most important person on the face of the planet."
D) "When you call in your friends to testify on your behalf, I really feel like I have been ganged up on."
E) "If your pals Suzy and Sarah are going to be at the party I'd like to bring one of my other friends too just to make sure I have someone to talk with."

Question 27

Hocker and Wilmot identify a "power paradox;" that is, the more you struggle against someone the less power you will have over her/him. Make an argument in support of or against the validity of this statement.

Question 28

When people feel low power, they often engage in very high power moves. Describe some examples of this. What advice would you give to someone feeling so "low power?"

Question 29

List, define, and provide examples of the RICE power currencies in interpersonal relationships.