An interactionist perspective on dominance-submission: Interpersonal dominance as a dynamic, situationally contingent social skill

Citation
Jk. Burgoon et Ne. Dunbar, An interactionist perspective on dominance-submission: Interpersonal dominance as a dynamic, situationally contingent social skill, COMM MONOGR, 67(1), 2000, pp. 96-121
Citations number
45
Categorie Soggetti
Communication
Journal title
COMMUNICATION MONOGRAPHS
ISSN journal
03637751 → ACNP
Volume
67
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
96 - 121
Database
ISI
SICI code
0363-7751(200003)67:1<96:AIPODI>2.0.ZU;2-#
Abstract
Dominance-submission in interpersonal interaction typically has been concep tualized as largely a function of either highly stable characteristics of i ndividual actors (e.g., basic temperament, genetic heritage, fixed social r oles) or highly dynamic properties of situations (e.g., relational control sequences). Too, the dominance end of the continuum frequently has been inf used with negative connotations. Here it is argued that a more balanced and comprehensive perspective is achieved by conceptualizing interpersonal dom inance as influenced by a combination of person, situation, and relationshi p factors and as including positive qualities that also underwrite social c ompetence. Experimental data relevant to this interactionist perspective we re examined far the impacts of one traitlike actor variable (self-reported social skills), two situational factors (communication format and message g oal), and one relationship factor (acquaintanceship) on dominance displays during dyadic interactions. Sender and receiver perceptions were also trian gulated with observational data from trained coders. Results support an int eractionist conceptualization of dominance.