Defination
- Improper use of a position of influence, power or authority against another person.
- This is particularly serious when a person uses his/her influence, power or authority to improperly influence the career or employment conditions of another, including but not limited to, appointment, assignment, contract renewal, performance evaluation or promotion.
- Abuse of power may also include a conduct that creates a hostile or offensive work environment, which includes but is not limited to the use of intimidation, threats, blackmail or coercion.
- Discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment are particularly serious when accompanied by abuse of power.
Displaying unfair treatment and being selective to specific groups of candidates and employees. It can stem from unfounded views that one is preferable to the other because of physical appearance, beliefs, or mind and body condition.
Examples
a) Constantly reminding an employee that they can be fired or replaced.
b) Humiliating an employee in front of his colleagues.
c) Forcing an employee to work overtime multiple times a week without additional pay.
d) Boss mistreating employees when he/she is in a bad mood.
e) Condescending reactions to employee questions.
f) Constantly shifting the blame on employees for their own incompetencies.
g) Withholding critical information from an employee that he/she needs to know.
h) Putting personal interests before the company.
i) Enforcing companies policies and rules on others without following them.
Effects
a) Stressed employees.
b) Harassment claims.
c) High work pressure.
d) Lack of manager trust in the organization.
e) High employee turnover.
f) High workplace absenteeism.
g) Low employee productivity.