A redefinition of dominance

Abstract

A redefinition of the personality dimension of dominance-submission is proposed. It is argued on both theoretical and empirical grounds that the opposite of directive (dominant) behavior is nondirective behavior when dyadic relations are symmetric or peer-peer. Submission is then better regarded as the complement of dominance. On the other hand, in parent-child and supervisor-subordinate relations, submission is complementary to directive or controlling behavior. In such asymmetric dyadic relations, the opposite of the directive behavior of the parent or supervisor is giving freedom or autonomy. In these relationships, submission or compliance is complementary to the parent's or supervisor's controlling behavior. Supporting evidence is given from Buss and Craik's self-report act frequency scales (Journal of Personality, 49, 175-192, 1981) and from True and False scores on the PRF Dominance and the ISI Directiveness scales. © 1991.