Complementarity

Complementarity is a theory in social psychology that proposes we seek traits and qualities in social relationships that fill gaps in ourselves. This concept suggests that individuals seek in others traits that they do not have and that 'complete' them. Focus is placed on spectrums of dominance/submission and friendliness/aggression. For example, in the workplace a successful relationship between the boss and their employees is based on complementarity. The boss is dominant and their employees are submissive. Research suggests that similarity between people is actually a better predictor of successful relationships rather than complementarity.