A Methodological Review of Exploring Turner’s Three-Process Theory of Power and the Social Identity Approach

Michelle Ye; Nadia Ollington; Kristy de Salas

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.12.4.07

Authors

Michelle Ye University of Tasmania, Australia
Nadia Ollington University of Tasmania, Australia
Kristy de Salas University of Tasmania, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.12.4.07

Keywords:

Interpretivist, Positivist, Social Identity, Power, Ecological Validity, Experiment, Survey, Case Study

Abstract

Turner’s Three-Process Theory of Power together with Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Self-Categorization Theory (SCT) have been influential in social psychology to examine power-related behaviors. While positivist experimental and survey methods are common in social psychological studies, these approaches may not adequately consider Turner’s constructs due to a comparative lack of ecological validity. Drawing on a methodology-focused review of the existing research of applying aspects of Turner’s theory of power and SIT/SCT, the interpretivist case study approach by using interviews and other data collections is highlighted as an alternative and useful method to the application of Turner’s framework. The applicability of the interpretive case study approach is further emphasized in comparison with the positivist experiments and surveys. This paper also discusses how this new way of exploration may allow us to understand Turner’s work better.

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Author Biographies

Michelle Ye, University of Tasmania, Australia

Dr Michelle Ye is a recent PhD graduate from the School of Engineering and ICT, University of Tasmania in Australia. Her research interests include power and political behavior in information system implementations, social influence, resistance to change, group behaviors, business process management, and organizational decision making and problem solving.

Nadia Ollington, University of Tasmania, Australia

Dr Nadia Ollington is a researcher in the School of Education at the University of Tasmania, Australia. With a background in Psychology, her research interests are focused upon human behavior and social interaction. Her main research includes the areas of disability, health and education, and organizational behavior.

Kristy de Salas, University of Tasmania, Australia

Dr Kristy de Salas is a business and ICT systems analyst and project manager who has consulted on and managed ICT design and development projects for over 100 organizations, ranging from small-scale non-profits to large-scale municipal councils. Dr de Salas was awarded her PhD in 2003 from the University of Tasmania, and is currently Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and ICT at the University of Tasmania, and undertakes research in the fields of Games Development, Business Process and Project Management, and ICT Curriculum Development.

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