Question

Positive-, Zero-, and Negative-Sum Power Relations

Give examples from the last month or so where you participated in a positive-sum, a zero-sum, and a negative-sum power relation. Describe what motivated you to participate in a negative-sum or a zero-sum relation? Are there factors other than “power” that we should be considering? own words with references

Answer 1

Positive-sum, a zero-sum, and a negative-sum power relations are forms of interdependence between situations.

1.Positive sum power relations is whereby the sum of total gains are positive.In this type of relationship each party involve benefits.Example;

When a country engages in free trade with another, both parties gain when they exchange goods and services of equal monetary value.Exchange of raw materials for finished goods is a positive sum relationship since each country benefit from the trade.

2.Zero sum power relations is whereby the sum of total gains zero i.e the gains of one match the losses of the other.Example;

Rachman (2010), indicates that China had been ranked the largest emitter of green house gases leading to conflict with other Western nations which were advocating for China to take responsibility for the emissions.In her defense, China reason was the high demand for their goods by the western countries.These countries answered back with an argument China of getting rich from this demand.In this situation, each country wants the other to take the burden of reducing green house gases emissions.If one country does more, the other does less thus a gain for one is the loss to another.

3.According to Spangler (2003). negative power relations is whereby the sum of total gains are negative hence both parties lose in this situation.An example is whereby tariffs are imposed in countries participating on trade.The country which imposes tariffs limits trade since the prices on imports are high.As a result it looses on creating good relations with their trading partners,consumers have limited access to variety of goods and services.Exporting countries also lose from tariffs in that the cost of exporting increasing and they are forced to locally consume their goods and services.The GDP of this country is likely to fall since trade has reduced.

Explanation:

Positive sum power relations are beneficial to both parties participating hence it is advisable to engage in such relations.The example of free trade encourages one to participate in positive sum relations. One country has benefited from raw materials from which it produce goods and services.The other country also benefits from the imports it has traded with.The local citizens have access to more variety goods and services which they can consume.

Power relations are the major factors that should be considered when participating in interdependence partnerships or situations.They help in achieving the aim intended by the parties involved.

References

Rachman, T. (2010).Forms of interdependence: zero-sum, negative-sum and positive sum games pp 268-270

Spangler, B. (2003). Positive-sum, zero-sum, and negative-sum situations.

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