Identifying and Examining the Sources and Contingencies of Power

Purpose: Each and every one of us possesses and uses power in our everyday lives. Understanding and learning the sources and contingencies of power can help us understand how we and others are able to leverage our own power to influence others to accomplish specific goals and tasks. This activity is designed to help us identify the sources and contingencies of power of a public figure and how this has helped them in their career.

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Time frame: Approximately 30 – 40 minutes (20 minutes to identify the sources and contingencies of power, 10 -20 minutes classroom discussion)

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Instructions:

1. In groups of 4 -5 people and choose a public figure that the group would like to analyze (I.e., Chris Hatfield, Oprah, Ryan Reynolds).
2. Identify which sources of power this person possesses. How do you know they possess these sources of power?
3. Identify and discuss the contingencies of power the person possesses. How have they used these contingencies of power to influence their power?
4. Be prepared to discuss your findings with the class.