Deviation from Organizational Norms Concerning the Relationship Between Status and Power: Equity vs. Self-Interest Theory

In past research on status and power, the two variables have often been confounded. Within an experimentally induced organization, status and power were separated and their effects on a series of dependent variables were examined. A three-factor design using high and low levels of power and status and norms prescribing defernce to high status or to high power was created. Differing predictions for deviation from the prescribed norms of self-interest theory and equity theory were contrasted. The data indicate that a low power, high status individual who is in an organization which rewards high power will deviate from the prescribed norms in order to increase his rewards. Status affected subjects' self-perceptions and interacted with power to affect conformity to prescribed norms and perception of partner.