‘Stock’ Options : The Debilitating Effects of Autonomy and Choice on Self-Perceptions of Power

In this paper we report the results of two experimental studies designed to test how increases in objective power might systematically lead to decreases in self-perceptions of power, which in turn can lead to inaction. We draw upon theories of power and choice to examine these effects. We find that an increase in objective power, via increased autonomy and choice, results in decreased self-perceptions of power. Further, as the choice context requires more expertise, participants faced with making a decision feel more powerless. In addition, results demonstrate that when objective power and self-perceptions of power diverge, self-perceptions of power are a more significant predictor of action. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings