Reflections on Defining and the characteristics of a Resource Dependence Theory Relating to Organizational Environment
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This article reflects on the relationship between an organization and its environment and shows that Resource Dependence Theory can clearly demonstrate this relationship and its significance to an organization’s survival. Resource Dependence Theory has a complex origin and is supported by a number of underlying concepts related to power and social exchange. Foremost is the proposition that an organization relies on various resources in order to survive, the most necessary resources tend to be controlled by other organizations. Therefore, an organization must hold power and seek to acquire resources while also decreasing its dependence on other organizations. This article discusses Resource Dependence Theory in terms of Jeffrey Pfeffer and Gerald R. Salancik’s model, as theirs is widely considered the official model for this theory. In short, the theory posits that in order to understand organizational behavior, one must first understand the ecology of an organization, and the key to an organization’s survival is its capacity to acquire and maintain important resources from its environment. To acquiring needed resources by using organizational strategies and organization must transact with other elements in their environment, including the negotiating exchange.
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