Resource dependence theory was first introduced in the 1970s in a publication entitled The External Control of Organizations: A Resource Dependence Perspective. Resource dependence theory (RDT) is the study of the impact of resource acquisition on the behavior of an organization. In the publication, authors Jeffrey Pfeffer and Gerald R. Salancik argue that resources are key to organizational success. However, an organization does not always have control over the resources it needs and must devise strategies that sustain access.
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Understanding resource dependence theory
Resource dependence theory notes that those who control critical resources have power, and power influences behavior. Similarly, the behavior of an organization with a dependence on these critical resources is also influenced.
Resource dependencies can relate to raw materials, labor, and capital to name a few.
Foundational assumptions of resource dependence theory
RDT is based on three core assumptions:
Organizations contain internal and external actors that influence and control resources and by extension, behavior. For example, how abundant are the resources? How much competition is there? How easy are the resources to acquire? Is there a more cost-effective acquisition method?
The environment contains valued resources essential to the continued operation of the organization. Uncertainty develops around resource acquisition for those who do not control access.
Organizations work toward two core objectives. They must seek to minimize dependence on critical resources from other organizations. They must also increasethe dependence that other organizations have on them for resources. Achieving either of these two objectives has benefits for the power level of the organization.
Factors that determine organizational dependence
Pfeffer and Salancik also identified three factors that determine the degree of dependence of one organization on another:
The importance of the resource – defined as the extent to which the organization relies on a resource for its continued viability. Such resources are valuable in that their removal from business operations would cause rapid and serious harm.
The extent of discretion over the use or allocation of the resource by the controlling company.
The availability of alternative resources or the concentration of resource control. How many companies control the majority of the resources?
Based on these factors, the business can minimize resource uncertainty by tweaking processes, relationships, and structures. Identifying substitute resources or establishing a supply from multiple sources are effective ways to reduce dependency.
If a business has the necessary capital, resource dependency can also be addressed by mergers or acquisitions. In this instance, each entity develops resource interdependence – which is a more favorable scenario when compared to complete dependence on either side.
Key takeaways:
Resource dependence theory describes the impact of resource acquisition on the behavior of a company.
Resource dependence theory argues that organizations with the most access to critical resources exert power and influence over those with less access.
Resource dependence occurs when an organization has little control over a resource it deems crucial to daily operations. Dependence can be reduced by identifying multiple resource suppliers and adjusting internal processes and structures.
Key Highlights about Resource Dependence Theory:
Introduction and Founders: Resource dependence theory (RDT) was first introduced in the 1970s through the publication “The External Control of Organizations: A Resource Dependence Perspective.” The authors of this publication, Jeffrey Pfeffer and Gerald R. Salancik, presented the theory as a way to study how resource acquisition influences organizational behavior.
Core Concept: At its core, resource dependence theory examines how organizations’ behavior is shaped by their dependence on acquiring necessary resources. Resources include various elements such as raw materials, labor, and capital. Organizations often need to access these resources from external sources.
Resource Control and Power: The theory asserts that those who control essential resources possess power, and this power significantly impacts their behavior. Furthermore, organizations that depend on these resources are also influenced by their need to secure them.
Assumptions: Resource dependence theory is built on three foundational assumptions:
Organizations comprise internal and external actors who control and influence resources and behavior.
Organizations depend on valuable resources in their environment for their continued operation.
Organizations aim to reduce their dependence on critical resources from other entities while increasing others’ dependence on them.
Factors Determining Dependence: Pfeffer and Salancik identified three key factors that determine the degree of dependence of one organization on another:
Importance of the resource: How essential is the resource for the organization’s survival and operations?
Discretion over resource use: How much control does the controlling organization have over the resource’s allocation?
Availability of alternatives: Are there alternative resource sources, or is resource control concentrated among a few entities?
Strategies to Address Dependence: Organizations can take several strategies to address resource dependence and reduce uncertainty:
Tweaking processes, relationships, and structures to increase resource control.
Identifying substitute resources to diversify resource acquisition.
Establishing relationships with multiple suppliers to avoid reliance on a single source.
Mergers or acquisitions to develop resource interdependence with other entities.
Benefits of Reducing Dependence: By reducing dependence on critical resources, organizations can enhance their power and negotiation position. Simultaneously, increasing others’ dependence on their resources can also enhance their influence.
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Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
