Question

Teachers often control students through the threat of bad grades. This use of punishment is an example of which kind of power?

a) Coercive power
b) Reward power
c) Referent power
d) Legitimate power

Answer 1

Teachers using the threat of bad grades to control students' behavior exemplify the use of coercive power, which is based on fear of negative consequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

Teachers often control students through the threat of bad grades. This use of punishment is an example of coercive power.

Coercive power is defined as the ability to exercise one's will over others by using threats and punishment. In the classroom, when a teacher uses the possibility of giving bad grades to enforce rules and manage behavior, they are utilizing coercive power as a means of social control.

This type of power is based on the fear of negative consequences rather than rewards or respect.