The Exercise of Influence in Educational Organizations.

Abstract

This study examined selected aspects of the exercise of influence in educational organizations. Power motivation, characteristics of the exercise of influence and influence effectiveness were studied. A sample of elementary school principals indicated their perceptions and behavioral intentions relevant to the exercise of upward influence in several common decision situations. The results of the study suggest that principals who were rated high in influence activity can be characterized by both high instrumental and intrinsic power motivation, as well as high self-perceptions of power. Several situational factors surrounding the exercise of influence were found to be related to choices among alternative influence targets and the likelihood of using various methods of influence. The likelihood of using 'manipulation' as a method of influence was found to most consistently differentiate between principals rated high and low in effectiveness, with high effectiveness principals indicating they were more likely to use this method. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA026444

Entities

People

  • Eugene F. Stone
  • Lyman Porter
  • Richard M. Steers
  • Richard T. Mowday

Organizations

  • University of Oregon

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Behavior And Behavior Mechanisms
  • Human Behavior
  • Motivation
  • Perception

Fields of Study

  • Education
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.