Related Experiment Videos
Perception of power among dietitians
1Department of Nutrition, Food, and Hotel Management, New York University, NY 10003.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Dietitians perceive power as crucial for professional survival, associating it with knowledge, education, and position. Understanding and integrating power dynamics into education is vital for the nutrition field.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Organizational Psychology
Background:
- The concept of power is increasingly relevant for professional survival in nutrition.
- Understanding dietitians' perceptions of power is essential for professional development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dietitians' perceptions of power.
- To explore how dietitians define, acquire, and perceive power within their professional context.
Main Methods:
- A survey questionnaire was distributed to 1,969 members of the New Jersey State Dietetic Association.
- Usable responses were obtained from 521 dietitians, yielding a 27% response rate.
- Data analysis included demographic profiling and responses to power-related scenarios.
Main Results:
- Most respondents (74%) considered power important or very important.
- Key descriptors of power included accomplishments, control, intelligence, and connections.
- Power was perceived to be acquired through knowledge, education, and position/title.
- Professional scenarios elicited greater concern than managerial ones.
- Hierarchy perceptions placed CEOs and physicians at the top, and tray-line workers at the bottom.
Conclusions:
- Dietitians view power as significant, linking it to professional attributes and advancement.
- There is a need to integrate the concept and practical application of power into dietetics education.
- A gender-focused approach in teaching power dynamics is recommended for continuing education.