In this article, I propose a new framework—compassionate collective power—for understanding power as a collective and ethically grounded force for positive social change, addressing critical limitations in existing organizational theories of episodic and systemic power. Building on Hannah Arendt’s concept of collective power and bell hooks’ love ethic, I reimagine power as participatory and compassionate action that prioritizes justice, care, and the collective good. I argue that Arendt’s notion of collective power, which emerges through “acting in concert” within the public sphere, offers a compelling foundation for understanding relational and pluralistic dynamics in collective action. However, her framework lacks a moral compass to guide these efforts. Hooks’ love ethic fills this gap by embedding care, respect, and compassion into collective power, transforming it into a force for ethical and inclusive social change. Together, these ideas shape a framework of compassionate collective power grounded in three dimensions: compassionate solidarity, which builds trust and empathy across differences; pluralistic collaboration, which ensures inclusive and participatory co-creation; and ethical civic engagement, which reframes participation as a shared responsibility to achieve justice and collective well-being. This integrated framework has profound implications for organizational theory and practice, positioning organized efforts as conduits of collective power towards inclusive, systemic change. It offers a pathway for addressing societal challenges through collaboration and ethical commitment, advancing a vision of power as a deeply humane act that supports a just and compassionate society.
