A methodological review of exploring turner’s three-process theory of power and the social identity approach
- Authors: Ye, Michelle , Ollington, Nadia , de Salas, Kristy
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Qualitative Sociology Review Vol. 12, no. 4 (2016), p. 120-137
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- Description: 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. © 2016 QSR.
Applying Turner's three-process theory of power to the study of power relations in a troubled information systems implementation
- Authors: Ye, Michelle , de Salas, Kristy , Ollington, Nadia , McKay, Judy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Journal of Information Systems Vol. 21, no. (2017), p. 1-25
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- Description: This paper explores the nature and exercise of power in an interpretive case study of a troubled information systems (IS) implementation in a university in the Asia Pacific region using Turner's Three-Process Theory of Power based on Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorisation Theory. The findings demonstrate the value of Turner's theoretical lens as well as its insufficiency for explaining all power related activities. This research has led to the development of an extended Three-Process Theory of Power by adding the alternative components that emerged from the data in the case study in relation to the nature and exercises of power. Based on the findings, we further recommend specific guidelines for IS theoreticians and practitioners including advice to project managers on a range of key issues. Thus, this paper contributes theorising the sources of power and tactical applications of power in given situations, particularly in IS implementation projects. © 2017 Ye, de Salas, Ollington & McKay.