Abstract
This study aimed to examine the determinants of behavior toward senpai (a high-status person - in terms of age, knowledge, skill, experience, and so on in Japan.) from kouhai (the opposite of senpai) in university clubs. In study 1, six aspects of behaviors (courtesy, obedience, friendship, reference, conflict avoidance, and aggression) were identified. Study 2 explored the relationships among these six behaviors, two group factors (group formality and group cohesiveness) and social power of senpai, with 238 college students as participants. The main findings were as follows : (1) Path analyses revealed that although group factors and social power elicited courtesy, obedience, reference, and conflict avoidance, while only social power affected friendship. (2) Positive social power influenced all behavioral aspects excluding conflict avoidance, while punishment power influenced obedience and conflict avoidance.
