Investigating the bases of power : referred to by Heads of State Schools in Malta in their professional relationship with members of staff

Abstract

Social scientists have identified social power as an inherent component of any social construct. It is indeed exceedingly difficult to contemplate the development of any human interaction without regard for the power capacity of the participants. Furthermore, it is assumed that if one is acknowledged as having power over others, such authority has to have some form of justification. French and Raven’s (1959) and Raven’s (1992) further-developed taxonomy, referred to the different manifestations of power as bases of power. This research aimed to investigate the sources of power which Heads of State Schools in Malta turn to so as to effectively manage their subordinates.