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Values · Self-Enhancement
Power
Status, influence and control — weight and position in the world.
People who prioritize power value social status and prestige and control or dominance over people and resources.
What power is
The motivational goal of power is social status and prestige, control or dominance over people and resources. Schwartz links it to the need for social coordination and the hierarchies that structure groups. It is the value of those who seek influence, authority and a position of weight — wanting their voice to count and to have resources under control.
When it's a high priority
- Having influence over people and decisions matters to you
- You like being in charge and leading
- Status, prestige and a strong social position carry real weight
- You want to steer the direction of things around you
When it's in the background
- You feel fine without being in charge
- Status and prestige barely sway your choices
- You'd rather collaborate than dominate or contest position
- You don't need authority to have worth
How power shows up in your life
At work and in your career
It shines in leadership, management, politics and roles of influence — where setting direction and mobilizing resources is central. It pairs with achievement (its neighbor) and security, and competes directly with universalism and benevolence, which call for equality and care.
In relationships
You tend to take the helm and protect your own. The risk is that the pursuit of control turns into domination. Growth comes from wielding influence with generosity — power in service of the group, not over it.
In everyday decisions
Day to day, you like holding the reins and having things go your way. Be careful about imposing too much and about mistaking fear for respect.
Tensions and growth
Power is compatible with achievement and security and competes head-on with universalism and benevolence (Self-Transcendence). It is the strongest pole of self-enhancement. Growth here is using influence to build, not just to dominate.
People and settings where this shines ILLUSTRATIVE
Leaders, managers, public figures and those in positions of authority and decision-making.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I value opposite things at the same time?
Partly. In Schwartz's circle, opposite values compete with each other — prioritizing one strongly tends to leave its opposite in the background. You can shift with context, but you rarely live both poles at their peak at once.
Do my values change over time?
Yes. Value priorities are relatively stable, but they reorganize with life stage, experiences and context. Treat the result as a snapshot of what guides you today, not a fixed label.
Is having power as a low value bad?
No. Prioritizing some values naturally places others in the background — it's a choice of emphasis, not a flaw. A low value only means it guides your choices less right now.