SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY

John Thibaut & Harold Kelley

TRIBUTARIES

John von Neumann- games and economic/social behavior: parallel or opposite interest, perfect or imperfect information, rational decision or chance influence. ‘Strategy of anticipation’, or need to take the other actor/s into account. Win lose situations, or the zero-sum game.

Cont.

John Nash- games are not always zero-sum; interactions include the possibility of mixed motive games.

The minimax principle- people seek to maximize benefits and minimize costs.

Interdependence Theory

of Thibaut and Kelley

Premises and Assumptions Relational outcomes are linked with

the actions of others. Members of the dyad can accurately

predict outcomes and will choose the best.

Not necessarily win/lose; interdependence implies that we negotiate our moves based on anticipation of the actions of others.

PRISONER’S DILEMMA

Potential for gain at the others expense.

Also potential for win/win or lose/lose outcome.

Both parties want optimum outcome.

RESULTS Outcome- rewards minus costs

represented by a single number. Comparison Level (CL)- satisfaction

depends on expectation; the threshold above which an outcome seems attractive.

Comparison level of alternatives (CLalt)- the worst outcome one will accept and stay in the relationship.

Some predictions….

Outcome>CLalt>CL = satisfying, stable, nondependent.

CL>CLalt>Outcome = not satisfying, break relationship, continue unhappy.

CL>Outcome>CLalt = highly unsatisfying, can’t break away, dependent and unhappy…the Prisoner’s Dilemma.

Dependence and Control Outcomes > CLalt = high

dependence. Outcomes < CLalt = low dependence. T and K identify three types of

control: reflexive, fate and behavior. These forms are juggled in

interdependent relationships. The relationship is not evaluated in an

evaluative sense.

Collective and Ind Outcomes

Why do people often act in ways that appear contrary to their own interests, even with knowledge of outcome values?

T and K see this as evidence of collective, social behavior.

Anxiety- reframing the conflict to relieve tension; mentally altering the numbers by redefining the situation.

Normative element- turning to collective principle for action when a situation is confusing.

Temporal element- focus on future rewards.