In Resource Dependency Theory, what is a key motivation for organizational leaders?

• A. To maximize internal efficiency at all costs.
• B. Survival of the organization and autonomy while maintaining stability.
• C. To achieve perfect information and predictability.
• D. To minimize external influence on operations.

Answer: (B)

Resource Dependency Theory centers on how organizations depend on resources controlled by others and must manage those external connections to survive. The motivation highlighted is to secure critical resources and maintain autonomy while keeping stability, so the organization can continue operating even as the external environment shifts. This tension—wanting to survive and keep control in a resource-rich, sometimes powerful environment—drives leaders to build alliances, diversify resource channels, or structure operations in ways that preserve independence while coping with dependencies. Other options miss the mark because they focus narrowly on internal efficiency, assume perfect information and predictability, or advocate minimizing external influence, none of which capture how organizations actively manage dependence on external resource holders to endure and stay autonomous.