POWER IN EXCHANGE NETWORKS - A POWER-DEPENDENCE FORMULATION

Recent developments in exchange network theory include new formalizations of techniques for specifying the distribution of power in exchange networks. In this article we present a theory-based procedure for identifying power positions in negatively connected exchange networks. This development grows out of earlier work by Emerson on power-dependence relations. The procedure for determining the distribution of power is applied to various common networks also addressed in other articles in this special issue. We compare this approach with the formal method developed by Markovsky, Patton and Willer (1988), commenting on similarities and differences. In conclusion, we discuss the limitations of our procedure and indicate topics in need of further empirical research.