Balance of Power

If one measures the equality of a relationship by who holds the most power, then no two relationships are ever truly equal. It does not matter if people are linked via marriage, birth, employment or circumstance, rarely is there a time when their connection is one of identical balance. One always holds the upper hand even if it is for just a few moments. I see this every day in classes I teach. Initially, the balance of power is heavily tilted toward me. I talk - and hopefully make sense - and the students listen. But then one or several of them will begin asking questions or making comments. As they become more actively engaged, the balance shifts toward them. It becomes my challenge to keep up with them.


There is little difference in this dynamic in other traditional relationships, including parent and child, supervisor and subordinate, and even husband and wife. As one communicates, the attention on them. They are sending out a message and the other is listening and/or reacting in some way. Such an everyday occurrence represents a constant back-and-forth in who stands in the spotlight. The exchange between message sender and message receiver, then, not only represents the basic act of communication, but also this reality that rarely are relationships ever equal no matter which person has the most authority, knowledge or strength.


Such a shift is also found in the dynamic between public relations practitioners and reporters. If a PR person, for example, represents an in-demand client, such as a celebrity or elected official, then often they have the upper hand in dictating terms for an interview, such as which questions their client cannot be asked or final approval of what quotes the reporter will use. Then, there are times when the reporter has the power, such as when the PR person pitches a story for them to consider pursuing. This constant shifting of power is a fascinating element in the communication process. It also points to one reason why tension exists at times between two people or multiple entities.