Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1997

Disciplines

Educational Methods | Educational Psychology | Social Psychology

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical framework for conceptualizing power relations in educational settings and argues that research on the metamorphic effects of social power provides an empirical basis for the constructive use of power in the college classroom. It recommends that teachers should concentrate on strengthening their informational, expert, and referent power bases; limit their use of legitimate and reward power; and avoid the exercise of coercive power at practically any cost.

Comments

References

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Kipnis, D. (1976). The powerholders. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Kipnis, D. (1984). The use of power in organizations and in interpersonal settings. In S. Oskamp (Ed.), Applied social psychology annual (Vol. 5; pp. 179–210). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

Kipnis, D., Castell, P. J., Gergen, M., & Mauch, D. (1976). Metamorphic effects of power. Journal of Applied Psychology, 61, 127–135.

Raven, B. H. (1988). Social power and compliance in health care. In S. Maes, G. D. Spielberger, P. B. Defares, & I. G. Sarason (Eds.), Topics in health psychology (pp. 229–244). New York Wiley.

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