Power resources approach

Power Resources Approach is a framework originating from Power resource theory that examines how organized labor can build power through collective mobilization to advance their interest in a structurally asymmetric and antagonistic relationship between capital and labor.

It exists as a research framework to identify different sources of worker power.

Further reading

• "Introduction to Power Resources". www.fes.de. Retrieved 2026-09-04.

• Korpi, Walter (1985). "Power Resources Approach vs. Action and Conflict: On Causal and Intentional Explanations in the Study of Power". Sociological Theory. 3 (2). [American Sociological Association, Wiley, Sage Publications, Inc.]: 31–45. doi:10.2307/202223. ISSN 0735-2751. JSTOR 202223.

• Schmalz, Stefan; Webster, Edward (2024), Gall, Gregor (ed.), "Union resources: the power resources approach", The Handbook of Labour Unions, Agenda Publishing, pp. 49–68, doi:10.1017/9781788215527.005, ISBN 978-1-78821-552-7, retrieved 2026-09-04{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)

• Schmalz, Stefan (2025-06-19), Smith, Andrew; Dibben, Pauline; Wilkinson, Adrian (eds.), "The power resources approach", Theories and Concepts in Work and Employment Relations, Edward Elgar Publishing, pp. 302–307, doi:10.4337/9781035316205.00047, ISBN 978-1-0353-1620-5, retrieved 2026-09-04{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)

• Kassem, Sarrah (2023-02-28). "3 - How to Grasp Agency: The Power Resources Approach". Work and Alienation in the Platform Economy: Amazon and the Power of Organization (1 ed.). Bristol University Press. doi:10.46692/9781529226577. ISBN 978-1-5292-2657-7.

• Gallas, Alexander (2024-07-01). "3 - The Challenge of Strategic Research: A Critical Engagement with the Power Resources Approach". Exiting the Factory (Volume 1): Strikes and Class Formation beyond the Industrial Sector (1 ed.). Bristol University Press. doi:10.46692/9781529212129. ISBN 978-1-5292-1212-9.

References