Abuse of power in the workplace is a common issue where leaders misuse their authority to reward or punish employees. This can involve giving favorable assignments or negative performance reviews, regardless of personal reasons.
Abuse Of Power In The Workplace: What Is It?
Abuse of power is an evil act committed by those in positions of authority. Such individuals have the ability to force others to do things they would not otherwise do. They can also use their power to make bad decisions or exert influence on others.
Abuse of power is not only bad for the victims, it can also harm the company or its reputation. This article will discuss some of the worst abuses of power that can happen within organizations.
Abuse of power is when a public official uses his power to resolve an issue in a way that benefits him. Such behavior typically involves a reward. For example, in the case of Oleksandr Presman, he received illegal compensation for a hotel room even though he owned his housing in Kyiv.
Because of this, he was able to take advantage of his position to bribe a hotel manager to grant him the room. In addition, he violated the law by abusing his power to receive a hotel room.
The Root Causes
Abuse of power is an unacceptable practice that results in anxiety and a sense of unease in society. This type of misconduct is sometimes referred to as malfeasance in office or official abuse of power.
It occurs when a leader abuses their power to do something that is against the best interests of the organization or the people in it. The person abusing power has a higher position in the organization than those who report to him or her.
The first cause of abuse of power is that the perpetrator has a lot of power. Many employees do not realize the difference between wrong and right behavior and often end up encouraging it.
Wrong behavior can involve cleaning up after the perpetrator, working after hours, keeping illegal secrets, or bullying. An example is Book Harm, showing power abuse.
The Effects
A recent study published in the journal Applied Psychology suggests that the effects of abuse of power may be devastating for both the perpetrator and the victims.
In the case of a victim of abuse of power, the effects may include lower morale, underdevelopment, and high employee turnover. It can also lead to a host of other negative effects, including stress-related illnesses and a decline in the company’s reputation.
Abuse of power can result in a coup and the collapse of the state. This often occurs when leaders prioritize personal gain over the well-being of their citizens, breaking laws and seizing control. Some leaders exploit their position to steal from the treasury, while others manipulate the system to stay in power longer.
How to Stop It?
Abuse of power can affect morale, cause absenteeism and stress-related illnesses, and lead to high turnover. It can also harm a company’s reputation. When it happens at work, there are ways to address it. For example:
Power-struck syndrome can happen in any workplace, even in government settings. Leaders need to prevent this abuse. Harvey Weinstein was fired from The Washington Post despite causing significant reputation damage. Early recognition of power-struck syndrome is crucial.
Abuse of Power in Real-Time Situations
When a person is in a position of power, it is possible to abuse that authority. Such actions can be categorized as malfeasance, usurpation, and public corruption. The use of power to gain an advantage can lead to the removal of a person from their position.
Abuse of power, a form of corruption, can result in removal from office. It occurs when a leader unfairly favors one person, showing ego and poor planning. Other examples include assigning tasks to unqualified individuals and missing deadlines.
For instance, giving a poor performance review to a subordinate is an inappropriate punishment. A subordinate who refuses to take responsibility for a project is not fit for leadership.
The Types
Abuse of power comes in different forms, and here, you will learn about the types of abuse of power. Make sure to read till the end, because even mentors can be abusers. Here are the most common types of abuse of power.
Financial Abuse of Power
Financial abuse involves using authority or force to withhold or steal money from individuals or groups. It is a form of domestic abuse where a leader restricts the use of finances. Signs include controlling access to money and making financial decisions without consent.
- Enforcing power of attorney on their selves
- Preventing withdrawal of funds
- Embezzlement of funds
- Overusing credit cards
- Demanding for paychecks
Emotion Abuse of Power
Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, involves non-physical behavior to control or oppress due to power. It leaves the victim isolated, oppressed, and fearful without physical evidence.
It also breaks down the victim’s self-esteem. Here are some of the signs that involve emotional abuse of power.
- Calling names, like worthless and useless
- Threats and insults
- Unnecessary questionings
- Isolation
Sexual Abuse of Power
This is a common type of abuse of power. It is rampant everywhere, in the workplaces, society, religious institutions, and Organizations. Forced prostitution, rape, and sexual assaults come under the sexual abuse of power.
Forced prostitution often leads to trafficking, particularly affecting vulnerable women. Sexual abuse, a taboo subject, is prevalent even in job interviews.
It is also important to note that sexual abuse of power can come from both acquaintances and strangers. Individuals should learn to protect themselves from their vices.
Physical Abuse of Power
Physical abuse of power is wrongfully using a position of authority to physically influence subordinates, employees, students, colleagues, relations, or friends. In this situation, physical harm is done to the one oppressed.
Physical abuse is a common and dangerous form of abuse, involving actions like slapping, hitting, kicking, etc. It can take many forms and can have severe consequences, including death. Learning to defend yourself against physical abuse is crucial.
Cultural Abuse of Power
Like emotional abuse, cultural abuse may not be easily noticed, but it has grievous consequences. Cultural abuse of power involves using a position of authority to affect a person’s identity or culture.
For example, a political leader can use his office to isolate people who do not speak a particular language. Another example is preventing an individual from dressing according to their religious views.
Cultural abuse of power inflicts pain on the victims owing to their cultural identity. This type of abuse of power is controlling in nature and will continue to escalate if necessary actions are not put in place.
Conclusion
Note that abuse of power is not a one-time event, but a pattern of behavior that inflicts pain or suffering on the victim. Anyone could be a victim of one or two types of abuse. It is not restricted to an age group, nationality, or gender. And it could happen anywhere.
And the sad thing is that abuse of power brings corruption, underdevelopment, and exploitation to the community. All kinds of political and societal vices are inevitable when people in authority abuse the power given to them.
