Teachers often control students through the threat of bad grades. This use of punishment is an example of which kind of power?
A) Referent
B) Legitimate
C) Coercive
D) Expert

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coercive power is based on the ability to deliver punishments. In the context of a classroom, when teachers control students through the threat of bad grades, they are using coercive power, as they are leveraging the potential for a negative outcome (bad grades) to influence behavior.

Teachers Often Control Students Through the Threat of Bad Grades