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The perceptions of landholders regarding power relationships within community participation are highlighted in this paper. The two major conceptualisations of power are used to analyse power relationships within existing government rangeland management programs. Within the dominant perspective, when power is viewed as a capacity, landholders expressed a desire to have more power and influence over government decision-making. However, this study revealed anomalies within this perspective of power. Power is dynamic and individual relationships are fundamentally important to landholders, indicating the alternative perspective. Landholders do not necessarily act to maximise their power. Rather, they choose participatory processes which ensure their interests are protected. Both conceptualizations of power can assist in improving participatory approaches in rangeland management.