Social bases of power and control mechanisms among correctional administrators in a prison organization

Abstract

This research explored the social bases of power among correctional administrators in a maximum security correctional facility for men in a large midwestern state in the United States. A qualitative research design was employed to assess the forms of power among prison administrators. The data suggested that prison officials had specific types of power available to control their prison population. The forms of power exhibited by the prison's administration were: coercive, reward, and access to information. Finally, suggestions are provided for future research to understand control and stability in prison settings.