The nature and measurement of interpersonal dominance

The construct of dominance has been utilized in a variety of ways in schola rly research, which has led to conceptual confusion and operational problem s. Particularly problematic has been a stereotypically narrow and pejorativ e conceptualization. Grounded in a review of literature from several differ ent disciplines, this essay advances a broader conceptualization that focus es on dominance as an interpersonal communication construct. It also report s two alternative measurement strategies and initial validational work, as well as offers recommendations for operationalizing dominance in communicat ion work.