Description

The Interpersonal Power Inventory (IPI) is an assessment tool designed to measure the perception and use of personal power and influence in interpersonal relationships. The IPI focuses on how individuals use power to influence and interact with others, covering areas such as influence, dominance, and authority in interpersonal dynamics.

Analysis

The IPI includes questions that examine the following aspects of personal power:

Sense of Power:
Assesses the individual’s sense of personal power and their ability to influence others in social and professional settings.
Use of Power:
Explores the ways in which individuals use power to achieve their goals and influence those around them.
Influence and Dominance:
Measures the individual’s ability to exert influence and maintain dominance in interpersonal relationships.
Perceived Power:
Examines how others perceive the individual’s power and influence.

The tool uses Likert-type scales or similar formats to assess the strength and influence individuals exert in their relationships.

Purpose

The purpose of the IPI is:

Power Assessment:
To provide a systematic evaluation of personal power and influence in interpersonal relationships.
Social Skills Development:
To aid in understanding and developing power management and influence skills.
Relationship Research:
To serve in research studies exploring power and influence dynamics in social and professional relationships.

Scoring

Scoring for the IPI includes:

Total Score:
Calculated based on the overall level of power and influence indicated by the individual’s responses.
Dimension Breakdown:
Responses are analyzed across different dimensions, such as sense of power, use of power, and influence, to understand specific areas of interpersonal strength.

References

French, J. R., & Raven, B. (1959). The Bases of Social Power. Studies in Social Power, 150–167.
Davis, M. S., & Gardner, D. G. (1986). Understanding Interpersonal Power: The Interpersonal Power Inventory and Its Applications. Journal of Applied Psychology, 71(2), 313–319.
Kanter, R. M. (1977). Men and Women of the Corporation. Basic Books.