Teachers' Conceptions on the Basis of the Power Types Used by School Principals: A Phenomenographic Research

Abstract

Max Weber described the power as “the ability of a person to realize his / her own will despite the resistance.” So, the power phenomenon is important. Purpose of research is, to reveal how many conceptions of a principal can be related to the basis of power (source), to show the effect of different ways of conception on teachers and to examine perceived conceptions in the context of the relevant field. A phenomenographic design was used within the scope of qualitative research methodology. The research covers 20 teachers (The study group was selected by maximum sampling approach.). As a result, it was seen that the power basis of the principals was perceived in nine different ways. This research can provide benefits to principals in developing a healthy perspective on effective power foundations in school management with the findings of how teachers perceive the foundations of power in school management process.

Keywords

• bases of power
• sources of power
• principals
• teachers
• phenomenography