Deck 4: Power: The Structure of Conflict

Question 1

Hocker and Wilmot contend that power is not owned by an individual but is a product of communication relationships.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Both/and power remains the model of choice for many women in Western culture.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

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.Ken was furious with his sister because of this.Even though Ken felt "low power" in this situation,he decided to maintain his relationship with his sister and encouraged his kids not to bring up the issue 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)Speaking up and presenting a balanced picture of strengths as well as weaknesses
B)Making clear what one's beliefs,values,and priorities are and maintaining congruent behaviors AQ: Please check the sentence for clarity.
C)Staying emotionally connected to significant others even when things get intense
D)Stating differences and allowing others to do the same
E)All of the answers are correct.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

According to the text,if you are not the "boss" at work,you do not really have any power.

Question 5

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

A)Interpersonal linkage
B)Resource control
C)Expertise
D)Communication skill
E)Responsibility

Question 6

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

Question 7

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

Question 8

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

Question 9

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

A)Denying that you communicated anything
B)Denying that you remember what was communicated
C)Denying that the other person communicated anything
D)Denying that you meant what you said
E)Denying the situation in which the use of power was communicated

Question 10

Collaboration depends on a model of shared power.

Question 11

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

A)interpersonal linkages
B)resource control
C)expertise
D)communication skills
E)responsibility

Question 12

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

Question 13

Most people in Western culture dislike exercising social power.

Question 14

Since destructive conflicts are often set off by struggles over perceived power, and given that power is relational,power always is in a state of change.

Question 15

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

A)Interpersonal linkage
B)Resource control
C)Expertise
D)Communication skill
E)Responsibility

Question 16

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 which of the following?

A)Interpersonal linkage
B)Resource control
C)Expertise
D)Communication skill
E)Responsibility

Question 17

The fundamental concept in conflict theory is:

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

Question 18

Empowerment is most likely to occur when:

A)communication behaviors are ineffectively combined with excessive use of power.
B)expressions of interpersonal power are sufficient and communication behaviors are effective.
C)communication behaviors are effective but an individual has very low interpersonal power.
D)expressions of interpersonal power are excessive and communication behaviors are effective.
E)None of the answers is correct.

Question 19

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 20

Which of the following statements is not true 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 21

Which of the following is not likely to balance the distribution of power in a conflict in favor of a person feeling low power?

A)Validating or acknowledging the other
B)Announcing intended escalations
C)Asking the higher-power person what he or she needs
D)Expressing optimism
E)Using "you" statements

Question 22

In order to ensure that there is a balance of power when dealing with large,impersonal institutions through phone calls,one must avoid:

A)asking them to call back on unresolved issues.
B)identifying individuals on the phone by name.
C)being reluctant in escalating issues.
D)telling the institutions all the steps taken to get a response from them.
E)disobeying rules that seem ridiculous.

Question 23

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."