Power and Greed in the Film Wall Street
Power and Greed in the Film "Wall Street"
Power is an important issue in interpersonal communication. Power can shape a relationship by influencing what you do, when you do it, with whom you do it, etc. Experts identify six bases of power. These bases include referent power, legitimate power, expert power, information or persuasion power, reward power, and coercive power. Referent power is a power usually held over others when the individual wishes to be like you or be identified with you. Legitimate power is a power usually held over people who believe that you have the right of power over them because of your position. Information or persuasive power is a power held over others that see you as having the ability to communicate logically and persuasively. Expert power is a power over others that see you as having expertise or knowledge. Reward power is a power that you have over others you can reward. Rewards can be material (money, promotion, jewelry) or Social (love, friendship, respect). Coercive power is a power you have over others that you can punish or remove rewards should they not yield to your influence. These bases are the types of power that can be used in shaping relationships. In the movie “Wall Street” many of these powers are used by Gordon Gecko to benefit from his relationship with Bud Fox. In this paper I will analyze the bases that are used by Gordon Gecko and how they are used.
One of the most apparent bases that Gordon Gecko uses in his relationship with Bud Fox is the Referent power base. This power is obvious because Bud wants to be a “player” and Gordon is a very successful “player.” Bud wants to be successful and by being linked with Gordon Gecko it will bring him one step closer to his goals.
Gordon Gecko also has some legitimate power over Bud. Gecko possesses the skills and knowledge that created his success, and if Bud wishes to become successful he must follow the example set by Gordon Gecko. So Gordon’s position gives him power over Bud Fox. This has the element of legitimate power.
Expert power can be seen in the relationship between Gordon and Bud because of Gordon’s expertise in Wall Street. Gordon has already set out and accomplished Bud’s goals so Bud looks to Gordon for guidance in his own quest for success. Gordon has expert power over...