Hierarchical and decentralized organizational systems are both based on the assumption that power exists in a limited quantity to be divided up among those in the organization. Recent research indicates, to the contrary, that when managers allow their subordinates greater influence in the organization, not only does the job satisfaction and morale…

The study investigated the effectiveness of group assertive training with nonassertive, noncollege age women. Twelve women, ages 22 to 53, participated in the assertive training program. Participants received six training sessions consisting of stimulus film vignettes; behavior rehearsal; peer, video, and trainer feedback; homework assignments;…

Methodological sophistication and conceptual complexity in the area of marital power has resulted in more questions than answers. The greatest danger of such a situation is a cessation of research motivated by fear of added mistakes, and supposedly justified by the lack of better measures and conceptualizations. Two particular stumbling blocks…

Minority groups seeking self-determination have a need for and a right to participate in and contribute to a growing body knowledge of human development and human relationships generated by social science research that is not only scientific, hence "unbiased," but which does not perpetuate damaging stereotypes. It is the purpose of this paper to…

One frequently encounters innuendoes, charges, allegations, threats, and rationales of conspiracy in studying the role of rhetoric in social movements. While "full discussion of competing ideas," holds high repute, "people meeting to plot some action," is disreputable and under some conditions illegal. This paper focuses on existing definitions of…

A study of teacher leadership styles and classroom climates in 75 elementary school classrooms showed that teacher task and expressive orientations powerfully influenced classroom morale. Teacher authoritarianism had no effect, calling into question interpretations of previous studies of teacher leadership. Teacher power orientation showed strong…

The purpose of this paper was to measure small groups at various stages of their development and observe the effects of changes in group process on emergence of role types and the impact these roles have on group membership as a whole. Most small group measuring instruments have been built around a task-leader or socio-emotional leader dichotomy.…

This student published, quarterly journal is a forum for student thought on contemporary issues in rhetoric and communication. This issue focuses on the "Political Rhetoric of Our Times." The articles in this issue focus on the following topics: application of fantasy themes to individual role identification in the small group setting;…

Depression can be seen as a set of deficits in self-control behavior. Proceeding from this model, a behavioral, self-control therapy program was developed. Two studies evaluated this program with depressed female volunteers. The first study compared the program to non-specific group therapy and a waiting list control condition. Both Self-Control…

The role of the therapist was varied in a weight reduction program. When meetings with the therapist were "faded out" over the duration of the 10-week treatment period subjects lost significantly more weight compared to subjects who met with the therapist on a regular basis; both groups differed significantly from controls. Six months after…

Physicians are in positions to make decisions on which lives depend. The question of who should be making decisions concerning medical research and practice is a moral issue. The problems of medical ethics concern such concepts as autonomy, burden of proof, coercion, informed consent, paternalism, and diminished capacity. (SW)

This paper develops a theory of sex-role stereotyping and power use in terms of how people interact in daily life situations. It is demonstrated that women have less access, in reality and in expectations, to concrete resources and competence leaving them with helpless modes of influence. (Author/AM)

Non-verbal behavior is a powerful and consistent channel for communication of womens' low status. In both direct interactions with men and in personal styles of feminine behavior, non-verbal cues actively perpetuate traditional sex-role stereotypes, often in ways of which most people are unaware. (Author/AM)

Analyzes the use of behavioral self-modification projects in college classes. Such projects are attempts by students to apply the principles of behavioral psychology to their own behavior. Discussed are impact of projects on student learning, extent of student behavior change, and adequacy of research design. (Author/AV)