RESOURCE

DEPENDENCY
THEORY
RESOURCE DEPENDENCY THEORY FOCUSES ON HOW POLICE AGENCIES DEPEND ON RESOURCES, BOTH INTERNAL AND
EXTERNAL, TO FULFIL THEIR MISSIONS. COMPARATIVE RESEARCH IN THIS AREA EXAMINES HOW POLICE ORGANIZATIONS
SECURE FUNDING, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PRIVATE ENTITIES, AND INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS.
• Resource dependency theory is a sociological concept that examines the influence of
resource acquisition on organizational behavior1. It posits that organizations, including
police agencies, must engage in transactions with other actors and organizations in their
environment to acquire resources1. These transactions can create dependencies that may
impact the organization’s power, authority, and access to further resources
• To mitigate such dependencies, organizations develop strategies and internal structures to
enhance their bargaining position in resource-related transactions1.
• For example, they may take political action, increase their scale of production, diversify,
or develop links with other organizations1. Research using resource dependency theory
has sought to observe organizational adaptations to dependencies, such as aligning
internal organizational elements with environmental pressures1. This theory contrasts
with the classic conception of organizations as closed systems, emphasizing the
importance of external interactions and resource acquisition
Resource dependency theory is based on the principle that an organization, such as a
business firm, must engage in transactions with other actors and organizations in its
environment in order to acquire resources

One of the assumptions of resource dependency theory is that uncertainty clouds an

organization’s control of resources and makes its choice of dependence-lessening strategies
imperative
• “Companies typically adjust their business strategies to adapt to changes in power
relationships with other companies.
EXAMPLE OF RESOURCE DEPENDENCY THEORY IN COMPARATIVE POLICING

police agencies often depend on government funding to acquire necessary resources, such as personnel,
1 equipment, and technology They may also seek support from private entities, such as businesses or
community organizations, to enhance their capabilities and community engagement. Additionally,
international organizations may provide assistance, expertise, or training to police agencies, especially in
the context of cross-border crime or security challenges

By understanding the dynamics of resource dependency, police organizations can strategically manage
their relationships with different stakeholders and optimize resource allocation to achieve their goals.
This theory offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between organizations and their resource
environments