2. There was a scene in the film where the principle, Joe Clark, is walking around the cafeteria during a lunch period. He walks around checking on students and verbally correcting behavior. Clark spots a freshman trying to steal someone’s food and he immediately calls the student out. He does so in a loud manner that is heard not only by the particular student, but his surrounding peers. Clark tells the entire cafeteria to be quiet and begins to describe how the freshman does not have self-respect …show more content…
Joe Clark displays several of the key traits that Northouse discusses in the trait approach section. His strong verbal ability to illustrate his beliefs about the importance of education overpowers the resistance of the students. This is a testament of one of the key trait factors, which is intelligence. He has had past experience of working in the education system, which can also be another aspect of his intelligent trait. Clark is clearly self-confident from the moment he enters the high school. He immediately took command when he was introduced to the faculty and staff. Clark was sure that the changes he made would steer the entire school in the right direction. Initially, the high school, East Side High, occupied a student population where most students could not meet the minimal reading and writing levels that were deemed appropriate for adolescent students in the state. Clark’s acceptance of the position of being the principle at East Side High is more than enough proof of his determination. He has a firm belief that his standards would help the students excel. His integrity is never questioned by the faculty or students. Eventually, he accomplishes his goals for the school. Clark was always honest in his interaction with others, even if it appeared brutal at times. He used his platform to inspire and teach others to push themselves to be better instead of settling for …show more content…
One of the main influence tactics that Clark used throughout the movie was legitimating tactics. Within the first few minutes of the school assembly, he officially expels a good portion of the student population. The students were seniors who were well over the age of eighteen whose sole purpose was to sell and use drugs on school property. Clark immediately takes action in making sure the newly expelled students cannot be anywhere near the school’s premises. More specifically, he put chains and locks on all of the doors to the school. When the chief of the fire department appears stating that locking the doors in that manner was a fire hazard, Clark does not back down. He made it clear to the chief and everyone around him that his authority gave him the right to make the decision. Clark also consistently demonstrates pressure tactics, both hard and soft pressure. Certainly, the hard pressure influence tactics are more noticeable throughout the movie and results in two teachers being fired. However, one can also see hints of soft pressure during the scenes where he roams the hallways, checking on students and faculty as they pass by. He makes sure to remind students of special projects or positions that he appointed them to work on. During these brief interactions, Clark is less authoritative and more