Although she knows it is wrong, Sarah decides to copy her English term paper from an online source because she has heard from friends at her college that there isn't a strong policy against plagiarism. She knows that if she gets caught, the most that would happen is a warning not to do it again. Because the college lacks a policy that inflicts a sufficient punishment, Sarah is not concerned with its _____________ power.

Question

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Coercive power refers to the ability of a party to force another to act in an undesired way by using threats, punishment, or sanctions. Sarah's lack of concern stems from her belief that the college does not effectively use coercive power to deter plagiarism, as the most severe consequence she expects is a mere warning.

Although She Knows It Is Wrong, Sarah Decides to Copy