This article presents a theoretical formulation that integrates two theories within the expectation states program-status characteristics and expectation states theory and source theory. The integration is carried out within the mathematical framework of status characteristics theory, and the mathematical formulation that is an integral part of that theory is extended. The formulation makes it possible to explain and describe the power and prestige order where actors are discriminated by status characteristics and at the same time are communicating evaluations of each others' performances. Based on the theory a specific model is constructed to predict stay response rates in the Webster-Sobieszek experimental situation. The authors demonstrate that the model fits the available data well.