Individuals differ from one another in the extent to which they are motivated to control the environment and influence others. Some individuals actively seek opportunities to influence everyday situations, events, and people, whereas other individuals are more prone to be affected by circumstances and others. This personality tendency is known as need for power or dominance. It has implications for the ways individuals process information, how they perceive others, the goals they pursue, and ultimately for the ways society is organized in terms of distribution of resources.

The motivation to attain power reflects a desire to influence others and have an impact over the environment. Individuals who seek power network more, become more visible, define group agendas, and build alliances. They often attain leadership positions and ...