Which of the following best defines resource dependence theory?
A) A small supplier should count on price competition for locking in accounts.
B) A small supplier should lock in a single large company for the bulk of its sales.
C) Organizations will do whatever is needed to avoid dependence on the environment and increase their autonomy.
D) Organizations will set up dependencies when they become more self-reliant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Resource dependence theory posits that organizations will try to avoid dependence on the environment and increase their autonomy by diversifying their resources and building relationships with multiple suppliers and customers. This is because dependence on a single resource or entity creates vulnerabilities and limitations for the organization. Therefore, option C is the most accurate definition of resource dependence theory. Option A is incorrect because it suggests that price competition is a sustainable way for a small supplier to secure accounts, which ignores the potential for competitors to undercut them. Option B is also incorrect because it promotes dependence on a single customer, which goes against the principles of resource dependence theory. Option D is incorrect because it contradicts the idea that organizations strive for autonomy and may create dependencies only as a last resort.

Which of the Following Best Defines Resource Dependence Theory