The Role Reaction Model and Some Confirming Evidence

A model is presented to succeed the 'Response to Power Model'. It posits the existence of two distinctly different components for each of the four manipulative roles; authoritarianism, permissiveness, rebelliousness, and ingratiation. The interactive component results from direct positive reenforcement of existing behavior, representing an effort to effect harmony. The counteractive components result from conficts in needs and are directed toward efforts to force a change in the partner's behavior. The similarity in overt behaviors and differences in purpose of these two components has done much to confuse the leadership field. This model reconciles the paradox of the opposing viewpoints of behavior modification and humanism. This shows how both dynamics are operating simultaneously. Research results are reported to support the hypotheses presented by the model. Directly induced role changes in the other dyad member are still only minimal. There is very strong confirmation, however, for the actor's acquisition roles which are related to his perception of the target person. In all areas, these fit the hypotheses posed by the model.