What is the primary reason people form relationships according to Resource Dependency Theory?

Resource Dependency Theory suggests that organizations and individuals form relationships primarily to acquire resources that they lack. In this context, resources can refer to anything that an individual or organization might need to operate effectively, such as information, financial support, or specialized expertise. The theory posits that these relationships are essential because they enable parties to depend on one another for the resources that help them achieve their goals.

When people come together in relationships, it is often because one party has something that the other requires, creating a mutual dependency. This need for resources forms the foundation of the relationship, reinforcing why individuals or organizations enter into partnerships or collaborations. Therefore, the primary reason people form relationships, as articulated through Resource Dependency Theory, is that one party possesses resources essential to the other, establishing a dynamic of interdependence and cooperation.