Lukes's three dimensions of power
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Steven Lukes has identified three dimensions of power.
| 1st Dimension | Power can actually be seen in use. Different groups use whatever resources they have to try to influence outcomes in their favour. |
| 2nd Dimension | No actual conflict is observed between groups. The powerful succeed in getting their own way by preventing controversial issues from being discussed or because other groups realize they have little chance in a fight. The exercise of power is, however, obvious to the less powerful. |
| 3rd Dimension | Even the disadvantaged do not recognize that something is being done against their interests. They accept the situation and fail to recognize their own true interests. |
Kenneth Benson considers all three dimensions in his book Organizations: A dialectical view. His writings provide insight for any potential critical systems methodology.
References
- Lukes, S. (Ed.). (1986). Power (Vol. 2). NYU Press.
- Jackson, M. C. (1988). Systems methods for organizational analysis and design. Systems Research, 5(3), 201-210.