ABSTRACT
The relationship between power, authority and influence has attracted considerable attention. Authority and influence have been presented as key dimensions of power. Power may be seen as the capacity of a group or individual to affect the behaviour of other groups or individuals in a desired manner and the capacity to resist undesired attempts to change the behaviour of one's self or the group. 'Influencing' in this chapter is focused on because it is largely through tactical, informal, multidirectional influences that people affect the actions of others in schools. In practice, however, it may be difficult to distinguish the part played by the elements of authority and influence in effecting a particular outcome. Early approaches to leadership concentrated on the qualities of good leaders. Other approaches focused on leaders' styles and behaviour. Contingent approaches examined situational factors influencing leadership. Studies of motivation seek to analyse factors which energise behaviour in desired directions.
