Power chains exist only when a superior can command a subordinate’s power over others

Evidence

Accordingly, the defining characteristic of chain formation is the reflexivity of the power process, i.e. the possibility of using it on itself. … Thus one only finds reflexive mechanisms in systems which possess sufficiently clear limits and which can make their processes functionally specific. For example if political power becomes reflexive, this demands a corresponding degree of differentiation in the hierarchical structures with a sufficient amount of role separation. … As a precondition of increase, of extensiveness, range, and of capacity for intervention, therefore, chain formation demands and also creates barriers against the functional and systemic use of power. … One probable structural characteristic of power stretched out in chain form is to create counter-flowing power, since the power of the system exceeds the potential selection capacity of a single power-holder and the ability of middle links in the chain to intervene serves them as a personal source of power. In this way power-codes are divided into ‘formal’ and ‘informal’, and the greatest agglomeration of formal/informal powers will be found at key points below the very top. — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 656 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Power catalyzes action chains that reduce the complexity of coordinating many parties; A superior’s impotent superiority is a precondition for subordinate power.; Power chains generate counter-flowing informal power concentrated just below the top — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 656 (+3 more)

Related

• Power chains generate counter-flowing informal power concentrated just below the top (similarity 0.92)
• Power chains amplify available power beyond any single holder’s capacity (similarity 0.85)
• Power catalyzes action chains that reduce the complexity of coordinating many parties (similarity 0.83)
• A superior’s impotent superiority is a precondition for subordinate power. (similarity 0.82)
• Power increases only through limitations that co-constitute counter-power (similarity 0.82)
• A power chain requires controlling another’s exercise of power, not just their actions. (similarity 0.81)
• Debt forms cascading chains that transmit creditor pressure downward (similarity 0.80)
• Organizations are not merely the extended arm of a power-holder (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Power catalyzes action chains that reduce the complexity of coordinating many parties #expands (0.60)
• Power chains generate counter-flowing informal power concentrated just below the top #complicates (0.60) — Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, 656
• In organizations power generates its own countervailing power. #complicates (0.55)
• A superior’s impotent superiority is a precondition for subordinate power. #qualifies (0.50)