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. ... The resulting unequal exchanges generate differences in power, authority, and access to further resources.

Who proposed resource dependence theory?

Pfeffer and Salancik (1978) devised the resource dependence theory to explain how organisations' behaviour is affected by the external resources they possess. They propose that firms change, as well as negotiate with, their external environment in order to secure access to the resources which they need to survive.

What is resource dependence theory in healthcare?

Resource dependence theory posits that powerful referral sources may focus primarily on core substance abuse treatment services and that substance abuse treatment units may respond to these performance pressures by deemphasizing potentially complementary services such as health care and life skills counseling.