Figure 1
At the top of the flow diagram, two primary theoretical lenses are presented, each inside a text box as follows: “Systems Theory (S T)” on the left and “Resource Dependence Theory (R D T)” on the right. Below this level, there are three constructs representing structural drivers as follows: “Cultural Norms,” “Governance,” and “Resources.” Solid connecting lines, representing “Primary theoretical alignment,” link “Systems Theory (S T)” to both “Cultural Norms” and “Governance,” and link “Resource Dependence Theory (R D T)” to both “Governance” and “Resources.” Dashed connecting lines, representing “Secondary theoretical alignment,” link “Systems Theory (S T)” to “Resources,” and also “Resource Dependence Theory (R D T)” links to “Cultural Norms.” The table presented below comprises 3 columns and 3 rows. The column headers from left to right are as follows: Column 1: Construct; Column 2: Theoretical lens; and Column 3: Rationale. The row entries are as follows: Row 1: Construct: Governance; Theoretical lens: Both Systems Theory and R D T (primary); Rationale: Governance is framed both as a coordination and control structure within complex systems (Systems Theory) and as a mechanism for managing interdependence, authority, and compliance under resource constraints (R D T). Row 2: Construct: Cultural Norms; Theoretical lens: Systems Theory (primary), R D T (secondary); Rationale: Systems Theory helps explain how cultural norms emerge and stabilise through systemic patterns of communication, hierarchy, and feedback; R D T adds insight into how these norms reinforce power relations and resource-based dependencies. Row 3: Construct: Resources; Theoretical lens: R D T (primary), Systems Theory (secondary); Rationale: R D T emphasises how differential access to and control over resources generates power asymmetries and strategic behaviour; Systems Theory contributes by showing how resource flows and operational interdependence influence systemic pressure and role functioning. A key for connecting lines is present alongside the table, below the flow diagram.Conceptual framework linking systems theory and resource dependence theory (RDT) to structural drivers of bullying in surgery. Source: Adapted from Bertalanffy (1968) and Pfeffer and Salancik (1978)