Question

Which of the following would best describe power?

a) an individual's capacity to determine the actions of others and not be persuaded by others
b) use of a behavior that results in behavioral and/or attitudinal changes in others
c) being influenced by others and maintaining group harmony
d) behaviors perceived as self-serving tactics, sometimes at the expense of others and the organization

Answer 1

Power best describes an individual's capacity to influence others' actions and resist outside persuasion, central to social science studies, and exemplified by historical actions of governments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct description of power that aligns with theories of social science is:

an individual's capacity to determine the actions of others and not be persuaded by others. Power is a central concept in social scientific studies and typically refers to the capacity of an individual or group to influence or control the behavior and actions of others.

Sociologist Max Weber defined power as the ability to exercise one's will over others, which can be further understood through various forms of authority such as rational-legal authority and traditional authority. Power is not simply about direct control; it also encompasses the ability to shape outcomes in social, professional, and governmental spheres. Historical examples of power include the actions of the U.S. government in World War II, Iraq, and North Korea.

Power can be best described as the ability to determine the actions of others and not be persuaded by others. This is option a) in the question. Power allows an individual to have control and influence over others, shaping their behavior and attitudes.