What term describes the degree to which individuals have alternatives to accessing resources?

The term that describes the degree to which individuals have alternatives to accessing resources is substitutability. This concept highlights that resources or positions within an organization can be replaced or substituted by other options. When individuals have high substitutability, it means they can easily obtain the resources they need from various sources or alternatives, which can influence their power and influence within the organization. For instance, if a person relies solely on one source for critical information or support, their ability to maneuver and negotiate is limited. However, if they have multiple alternatives, they wield more power because they are not dependent on a single resource or authority.

Centrality refers to an individual's position within a network and the extent to which they are connected to others, which could impact their influence but does not specifically address the availability of alternative resources. Discretion relates to the freedom individuals have in making decisions on their own without constraints, and legitimate power refers to the authority derived from a formal position or role within an organization. These concepts are related to organizational behavior and dynamics but do not explicitly define the aspect of having alternatives to access resources like substitutability does.