Provider and Consumer Control: Interpersonal Power Relations at Board Meetings

Routine interpersonal processes which typically occur at consumer health board meetings are analyzed to determine the degree to which they can be viewed as subtle power techniques which function to limit consumer participation and control. It is argued that power techniques inherent in the formal and informal organization of consumer board meetings are more effectively used by providers than consumers. Providers are thus able to recreate and maintain their “provider mystique” which in turn often intimidates consumers, resulting in their powerlessness and passive behavior at meetings. Consumer intimidation is an emergent, unplanned, often unrecognized process, rather than one necessarily intended by providers. It is suggested that training programs exposing the tacit interpersonal dynamics at board meetings may aid consumers in achieving more participation and control.