Interdependence Theory

Outcomes, Interactions, and Interdependence Situations

Interdependence theory presents a formal analysis of the abstract properties of social situations. Rather than examining concrete social phenomena such as “employer threatens employee” or “student relies upon professor,” the theory identifies abstract properties such as “partners are highly dependent” or “power is nonmutual.” As such, the theory allows scientists to understand situations that might differ in their superficial character, but that share crucial abstract structural properties. These abstract structural features of a situation constitute its “interpersonal reality”—a reality that causes people to think, feel, and behave in predictable ways.

The theory uses two formal tools to represent interdependence structure—matrices and transition lists. The purpose of these formal representations is to precisely specify the character of situation structure—to describe the ways in which people can affect their own and one another's outcomes. Interaction (I) describes two people's (A's and B's) needs, thoughts, and motives in relation to one another in the context of the specific interdependence situation (S) in which their interaction transpires. Expressed formally, I =f (S, A, B). That is, to predict what will transpire in an interaction between Mary and John, we must consider (a) what situation they confront (e.g., are their interests at odds, does one hold greater power?), (b) Mary's needs, thoughts, and motives with respect to this interaction (e.g., which traits are activated, is her perspective short- or long term?), and (c) John's needs, thoughts, and motives with respect to this interaction. As a result of their behavioral choices in a given situation, each person experiences good versus poor outcomes—consequences that are more versus less satisfying or pleasurable. The outcome of an interaction is satisfying to the extent that it gratifies (vs. frustrates) the individual's most important needs, such as survival, exploration, or belongingness.

Interdependence theory analyzes the ways in which people may affect their own and one another's outcomes, describing social situations in terms of six structural dimensions (see later). Most situations are defined by two or more dimensions, such that the key dimensions of interdependence are the building blocks of structure. The concept of affordance describes the implications of a specific situation for specific types of cognition, emotion, and motivation, identifying that which a situation makes possible or may activate in interaction partners. That is, specific structural patterns are meaningful in that they activate specific sorts of traits and motives, influence cognition and emotion, and [Page 346]thereby shape behavior. Situations also determine what people can learn about one another and communicate to one another.

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