Power &

Authority

 What is power?
Different meanings depending on context eg.
electricity
When referring to social power it usually refers to
the ability to act; strength; control
The ability to determine the behaviour of others or
to decide the outcome of conflicts (Bush, 2011,
p.108)

What is authority?
The legitimate right to exert power in a social
context

Where do power & authority overlap

within the school context? Where do
they diverge (go in different directions
ie. dont overlap)?

Forms of Power
1. Positional power
Comes from holding an official position and is
therefore considered legitimate
Who holds this form of power in schools?

2. Expertise power
Comes from holding expertise or knowledge on a
particular subject
When might this form of power cause conflict in
schools?

3. Personal power
Some people hold power because of their advanced
people skills but it can also come from being
respected for some other reason such as being good
public speakers, visionaries, wise etc.

4. Coercive power
Coercion is power exerted through use of threats
where staff are told what to do and forced to comply
How legitimate is this form of power in schools? Why
do you think this?

5. Control of rewards
Power is exerted by the promise of rewards.
What rewards might be offered?
How effective do you think this form of power is?
Why?

6. Control of resources
Which resources might be controllable?
This is more influential in self-financing schools
where those in authority have the right to allocate.
This form can lead to competition which has
advantages & disadvantages.

Foucaults Model of Power

Power can also be conceptualized (thought about)
as horizontal.
In this model, it is seen as being held by
everyone. It is an ever-present aspect in every
interaction.
Power does not pass only from the top down but
also passes up and sideways.
To apply this model in school, consider how the
following stakeholders exercise their power:

Principals
Teachers
Parents
Students

Power, authority &

stakeholders
Which stakeholders hold which type of power in
an Emirati government school context. Take some
time on this and discuss your ideas as there isnt
necessarily a correct/ wrong answer.
Identify which stakeholders are the most powerful.
Are they always the people with the most
authority?
Relate these ideas to your own experiences in
school share short stories/ anecdotes of
stakeholders who held more or less power than
their position warranted (deserved). Reflect and
discuss on why this was the case?
How can you apply this to your position in
schools? What can be done to acquire more
authority?