Seating Arrangements - Where to Sit, and WhyPower Positions at
a rectangular tableIf A's back was facing the door, the person seated at B would be
the most influential and would be strong competition for A.
Strodtbeck and Hook set up some experimental jury delibera-
tions which revealed that the person sitting at the head position
was chosen significantly more often as the leader, particularly
if that person was perceived as being from a high economic
class. Assuming that A was in the best power position, person
B has the next most authority, then D, then C. Positions A and
B are perceived as being task-oriented while position D is seen
as being occupied by an emotional leader, often a woman, who
is concerned about group relationships and getting people to
participate. This information makes it possible to influence
power plays at meetings by placing name badges on the seats
stating where you want each person to sit. This gives you a
degree of control over what happens in the meeting.
Why Teacher's Pet Sits On the Left
Researchers at the University of Oregon determined that
people can retain up to three times more information about
things they see in their right visual field than they do in their
left. Their study suggests that you are likely to have a 'better
side' to your face when you are presenting information to
others. According to this research your better side is your left
because it's in the other person's right visual field.
Studies show that the left side of your face
is the best side for giving a presentation.