Attitude Change, Affect Control, and Expectation States in the Formation of Influence Networks

This paper works at the intersections of affect control theory, expectation states theory, and social influence network theory. First, we introduce social influence network theory into affect control theory. We show how an influence network may emerge from the pattern of interpersonal sentiments in a group and how the fundamental sentiments that are at the core of affect control theory (dealing with the evaluation, potency, and activity of self and others) may bemodifiedby interpersonal influences. Second,webringaffect control theory and social influence network theory to bear on expectation states theory. In a task-oriented group, where persons’ performance expectations may be a major basis of their interpersonal influence, we argue that persons’ fundamental sentiments may mediate effects of status characteristics on group members’ performance expectations. Based on the linkage of fundamental sentiments and interpersonal influence, we develop an account of the formation of influence networks in groups that is applicable to both status homogeneous and status heterogeneous groups of any size, whether or not they are completely connected, and that is not restricted in scope to task-oriented groups. Power and Status Advances in Group Processes, Volume 20, 1–29 Copyright © 2003 by Elsevier Ltd. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved ISSN: 0882-6145/doi:10.1016/S0882-6145(03)20001-1