Abstract: The power approach-inhibition theory is an important theory for explaining the power-behavior relationship, but empirical studies applying the theory have findings that contradict the theory. Differences in the conceptualization of power in previous studies and differences in the power distance of the study samples may account for the existence of inconsistent findings. Therefore, this study uses a meta-analytic approach to explore whether there are differences in the magnitude of the effects of subjective and objective power on approach and inhibition behaviors and the mechanisms of influence, and by exploring possible boundary conditions (i.e., power distances) it attempts to explain the emergence of inconsistent conclusions in previous studies.
By integrating a meta-analysis of 154 literatures and 261 effect sizes from 245 empirical samples exploring the relationship between power and approach and inhibition behavior from 2003~2023, this study examined the mechanism of the double-edged sword effect of the power and approach-inhibition behavior relationship and the boundary conditions. The results showed that the power and approach-inhibition behavior relationship had a double-edged sword effect, with objective power indirectly increasing approach and decreasing inhibition through subjective power, as well as directly contributing to inhibition, and with subjective power having a stronger explanatory power for behavior than objective power. The moderating effect results showed that power distance strengthened the positive effect of subjective power on approach behavior and the negative effect of subjective power on inhibition behavior.
There are several innovations and contributions to this study. First, this study expands the real relationship between different types of power and behavior by distinguishing the different effects of subjective and objective power on approach and inhibition behaviors and clarifying the difference in the explanatory power of subjective and objective power on the two types of behaviors. That is, whether it is approach or inhibition behaviors, the explanatory power of subjective power on the behaviors is stronger than that of objective power. The relevant propositions of the power approach-inhibition behavior theory are verified and expanded. Second, this study explores the differences in the mechanisms by which subjective and objective power affects behavior, which explains to some extent the inconsistencies in the findings of previous studies. The results of this study illustrate that objective power needs to indirectly increase approach behavior and decrease inhibition behavior through subjective power, and after controlling for this indirect path, the direct effect of objective power on approach behavior is insignificant, and it positively contributes to inhibition behavior. In other words, when objective power is perceived subjectively (i.e., perceived objective power or activated objective power by external power), the individual's subjective perception of his or her ability to influence others or the environment is activated based on the resources he or she possesses, which increases approach behaviors and decreases inhibition behaviors. When objective power is not perceived (i.e., potential objective power or inactivated objective power), even if objective power is high, the individual's subjective sense of power is still low, and the individual may not perceive himself or herself as a high-power person due to a lack of self-perception, and thus may not engage in approach behaviors or decrease inhibition behaviors. In addition, when individuals have low objective power but high subjective power perceptions (i.e., intrinsic power perceptions), they still exhibit high approach behaviors and low inhibition behaviors because they influence or control others based on their intrinsic self-perceptions and beliefs that they are high power. This finding not only confirms the existence of differences between subjective and objective power in the application of the theory, but also highlights the necessity and importance of distinguishing between these two types of power within the framework of the theory. Finally, this study extends the boundary conditions of the theory by finding the moderating role of power distance between subjective power and approach or inhibition behavior.

Key words: power, approach-inhibition theory of power, meta-analysis, approach behavior, inhibition behavior