Tenure Decisions and Power: The Good and the Evil

Abstract

The use of power in the seeking and granting of tenure in an academic setting can influence the future of teaching-learning of nursing in significant ways. In this column, notions of power will guide a discussion about tenure. Warnings are offered of potential traps that might stifle academic freedom, thus defeating the purpose of tenure to promote student learning and advance development of new knowledge unhindered by organizational and political forces. With insights from the humanbecoming leading-following model, thoughts are offered to guide faculty and administrators involved in the tenure process to protect academic freedom that is critical to the mission of nurse education programs.