Nursing Publications
Title
Nursing Students’ Empowerment in Distance Education: Testing Kanter's Theory
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2006
Journal
Journal of Distance Education
Volume
21
Issue
2
First Page
78
Last Page
95
Abstract
This qualitative, explanatory study examined Post-RN baccalaureate nursing students’ experiences of empowerment with distance education and computer conferencing (CC) for fit with the constructs of Kanter’s (1977, 1993) Theory of Structural Power in Organizations. Seven post-RNs from Canadian distance education nursing programs were interviewed. Interview transcripts were examined using content analysis. Kanter’s theory was useful in describing empowerment structures in distance education courses. Feedback from instructors, access to library facilities, and support from employers and family are essential elements of an empowering educational experience. Students missed face-to-face contact. Two themes unrelated to Kanter’s theory—self-direction and determination to succeed—emerged. This study, based on a theoretical framework, will be of interest to educators and administrators of distance education programs.
