IV. Power Currencies

1. Power currencies are resources of value. The currencies are subdivided as follows: (a) resource currency (material things); (b) expertise currency (special skills and knowledge); (c) social network currency (interpersonal connections); (d) personal currency (own favorable and valued characteristics), (e) intimacy currency (trust of others).

2. Different cultures prefer different power currencies. Asian and Latino cultures place strong emphasis on resource currency; in Europe and the US people are admired for resources but do not gain much power.

V. Power and Culture

1. Unequal distribution of power is viewed differently across cultures. Geert Hofstede: High power-distance cultures: (a) people of different social and professional status are widely separated; (b) people in high-status positions are given privileged treatment and respect; (c) people of lesser status are expected to behave humbly; (d) high-status people are expected to behave superior. In low power-distance cultures: (a) people in high places seek to minimize differences; (b) interaction between high and low status people is informal and equal.

2. Power distance influences conflict management. In low power-distance cultures (a) people with little power engage those with much power; (b) positions are challenged; (c) authoritarians are frowned upon. In high power-distance cultures (a) high authority figures are believed; (b) people in high places are obeyed; (c) high-power people are seldom challenged.

VI. Power and Gender

1. Traditionally, men have had power over women in society, politics and economics.

2. Currently, gender equality agenda pursues four directions: (a) economic opportunity, (b) educational access, (c) political representation, and (d) physical health.

3. Cheris Kramarae: (a) women are not free or able to say what, when and where they wish; (b) their talk is considered as being of less value; (c) they are not given voice; (d) they are not listened to attentively but required to listen to men; (e) there’s inequality in selection of topics; (f) women often find they are not heard in relationships, their viewpoints are ignored or minimized.

4. Overcoming gender stereotypes can be accomplished in several ways according to Eden King: (Michael’s Sound Bite 9-5): counteracting others’ stereotypes by (a) “individuating” information, tailoring it to a specific person, not his or her gender; (b) gaining and effectively demonstrating competence; (c) learning to utilize power-affirming nonverbal; (d) not use hedging statements; (e) exercise directness and refrain from excessive apologizing; (f) in the process refrain from becoming more masculine; counteracting own stereotypes by (a) refuse to always follow the need for people-orientation by looking at problems and facts; (b) require equal payment for equal service with men; (c) pursue any job that they believe fits their goals; (d) refuse to confirm stereotypes; networking strategically by: (a) utilizing connections to find advancement; (b) seek central roles in projects; (c) find male and female mentors; (d) fight for access to power networks (see http://www.womenetics.com/Gender-Equality/overcoming-gender-stereotypes).