1. Adolescent evaluations of rewarding, neutral, and punishing power figures.
- Author
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Brigante, Thomas R.
- Subjects
POWER (Social sciences) ,ADOLESCENT analysis ,TEENAGE boys ,SENSORY perception ,FRIENDSHIP ,SOCIOLOGY - Abstract
The experiments which are reported herein have a twofold purpose. First, the more general purpose has been to explore some possible determinants of subordinates' responses to power figures. The second concern was that of clarifying the definition of the power concept itself, and to explore the possible usefulness of distinguishing between rewarding and punishing power. Present experiments were stimulated primarily by three recent studies. In a study conducted by sociologist A. Pepitone, variables of power and friendliness were systematically manipulated in order to determine their effects upon adolescent boys' perceptions of power figures. Here it was found that when power was varied and friendliness held constant, the power figure was seen as more friendly as power increased. When friendliness was varied and power was held constant, the figure who was most friendly was seen as most powerful, while the least friendly person was seen as least powerful. However, power figures had only varying amounts of power to reward, and the effects of power to punish were not considered.
- Published
- 1958
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