Women in health academia: Power dynamics in nursing, higher education and research

Power – or the wielding of power – is an in evitable and necessary component of the way organizations function. This is because power forms the basis of “getting things done”, “making a difference”, and achieving outcomes – the common goal of all organizations (Blake & Mouton, 1968; Vine, 2004). Power is further broken down into two types: “power to” or the ability to achieve objectives; and “power over” or the influence one has over the behaviours and actions of others (Hawks, 1991, p. 755).