A general theory of bargaining that is applicable to all types of bargaining situations and that provides a framework for analyzing the stages of the bargaining process is presented. Bargaining theory is critiqued with special attention directed to theories of Zeuthen, Hicks, Pen, and Chamberlain. The proposed framework in bargaining power is…

Noting that societies are inherently elitist in their structuring, this paper argues that a greater understanding of society and the communication process can be gained by comprehending the nature of communication among the elite and from the elite to the nonelite. It attempts to provide a theoretical foundation for the investigation of elite…

The central and most common element in existing conceptualizations of communication competency is the concept of control, which suggests that competency is a function of the communicator's ability to exert influence over physical and social surroundings. This paper identifies six phases of the control process: goal specification, information…

A developmental model is proposed and incorporated with exchange theory to further explain the position of the second generation in considering dependency needs of both the first and third generations. What literature exists deals primarily with dependency needs of children or at best, attitudes toward older people. Questions are raised and some…

The author attempts to categorize the methodological approaches which have been used in self-disclosure research, identify some of the important problems that attend these research procedures, and propose some alternative strategies for future research on self-disclosure. He discusses correlational and experimental research strategies. The…

Explored the exchange of social rewards and costs between the therapist and client (N=11 dating couples) in an initial therapy interview. Results suggested that client perceptions of short-term cost may be influenced by educational or informative responses about the general functioning of relationships. (JAC)

Identification of the boundaries between lay and professional advocacy in working with families with handicapped children is aided by an understanding of the key variables that characterize these families. Professional clarity about differing advocacy roles and the potential of social exchange leads to a new model of advocacy in working with…

Compared the perceptions of 281 Papua New Guinean students and 329 Australian students of the economic and psychological costs of having children. Australians gave high ratings to the importance of financial and emotional costs, while New Guinea students were more aware of overpopulation and restrictions on parents. (JAC)

Rated 15 sources of satisfaction and 15 sources of conflict for nine relationships of adults (N=52). Results showed three clear satisfaction factors (instrumental reward, emotional support, shared interests) and two conflict factors (emotional conflict, criticism). Shared interests seemed to be a universal satisfaction source. (WAS)

This study of interpersonal relationships between teachers, principals, and students finds that attitudes of teachers and principals toward children are correlated positively although pupils' and principals' ratings of teachers lack significant correlation. (JH)

Differences in responsiveness to social reinforcement associated with the race and socioeconomic status of a person are interpreted in terms of his expected outcomes and his scale of evaluation of outcomes. (JM)

Reviews elements of the respondent, operant, and modeling theories and various principles of the exchange theory that can be combined to facilitate changes in client behavior. Proposes the behavioral exchange model as a framework to help social workers conceptualize clinical phenomena and thus gain power to influence them. (Author/JAC)

Using social exchange theory, examined satisfaction of the primary caregiver with living in a multigenerational household in 99 Midwestern families. Identified important predictors of satisfaction consisting of characteristics of the older person (indicators of dependency status, characteristics of the primary caregiver, and the situational…

Examines ways of modifying incremental influence. Results suggest that referent power can be altered by affecting the interpersonal attraction of group members. Implications for organizational intervention and practice are discussed, and some possible modifications to the theoretical framework of power are advanced. (Author)