Power imbalance

A power imbalance is an unequal distribution of influence, authority, resources, or ability to affect outcomes between people or groups.

Power: The capacity to influence people, decisions, or outcomes. Power imbalance describes how this capacity is distributed unequally.
Principal–agent problem: A conflict that arises when an agent can pursue interests different from those of a principal. Delegated authority can let decision-makers act with limited oversight.
Power-sharing: An arrangement that distributes decision-making authority among multiple groups or institutions. It deliberately redistributes authority that an imbalance concentrates.
Procedural justice: The perceived fairness of the processes used to make decisions. People may judge decisions by whether less powerful parties receive a fair process.
Power (social and political theory): Theories of how people and institutions shape conduct, choices, and social arrangements. Different definitions of power change what counts as an imbalance.
Resource dependence theory: An organizational theory explaining how dependence on external resources shapes power and behavior. Dependence on resources controlled by another party can create leverage.
Workplace bullying: Repeated harmful behavior at work that targets or intimidates an individual or group. Status and authority can make repeated mistreatment difficult to challenge.
Checks and balances: A system in which separate institutions can limit one another’s powers. Mutual oversight can constrain one-sided control.
Silencing effect: The suppression of expression that occurs when people anticipate penalties or dismissal for speaking. Fear of consequences can prevent those with less power from voicing concerns.
Social network analysis: Methods for studying relationships and patterns of connection among people or organizations. Network position can reveal influence that formal titles do not show.

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