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negative effects of coercive power

by Willy Gaylord Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Some of the pitfalls of coercive power include:

  • Lowers job satisfaction: people resent it being used on them as they feel under a microscope.
  • Backlash threat: there is always the threat of a backlash when using coercive power. ...
  • Close supervision needed: It is only useful if you as a manager are able to keep a close eye on what’s going on.
  • Only works if used sparingly: Coercion as your standard source of workplace power isn’t sustainable in the long term.
  • Doesn’t work if you are not able to carry out the threat: In this case the threat is counterproductive, and your authority as a leader can be undermined.
  • Reduces innovation: as everyone is under a microscope under threat of punishment there is no room for creativity and innovation.

Disadvantages of Coercive Leadership
  • Employee backlash against leadership because of poor relationships.
  • Creates obstacles for innovation and creativity because of employee fear and insecurity.
  • Lack of job satisfaction which leads to low productivity.
  • Can cost the company time and money because of high turnover rates.
Feb 17, 2022

What are the disadvantages of coercive power?

Coercive Power Disadvantages. You should only really use coercive power when you have no other choice and you want to put an immediate stop on negative behaviour. Some of the pitfalls of coercive power include: Lowers job satisfaction: people resent it being used on them as they feel under a microscope.

Do coercive power conditions induce perceptions of coercive power?

Preliminary data analyses Checking the coercive power manipulation with the participants' perceptions of coercive power, the ANOVA showed that low and high levels of coercive power conditions induced respective perceptions (cplow: M= 2.67, SD= 1.21; cphigh: M= 5.50, SD= 1.33; Table ​Table55).

What are the advantages of coercive power in the workplace?

The key advantage of coercive power is in its ability to force compliance from employees. As such, it is useful in certain situations, as highlighted below: » Insubordination: if an employee is consistently late or taking longer than allowed lunch breaks, then coercion could be used to force the employee back into line.

Does coercive power increase or decrease compliance?

As expected, when coercive power was applied exclusively, it decreased implicit trust, increased the perception of an antagonistic climate, and enforced compliance.

What is the consequences of coercive power?

Findings reveal that coercive power increases an antagonistic climate and enforced compliance, whereas legitimate power increases reason-based trust, a service climate, and voluntary cooperation.

Why is coercive leadership bad?

Long Term Productivity May Suffer Although coercive leadership may give a short term boost to productivity, in the long term it may not be sustained. This is often due to the unhappiness and lack of inspiration given to employees. Long term suppression will often mean that employees disengage.

In what ways can coercive power be misused?

There are several ways that coercive power is used in the workplace depending on what a manager or supervisor is trying to convey to an employee. Common types of threats that involve coercive power include demoting an employee, firing an employee or suspending certain employee privileges.

Is coercive power effective?

Coercive power is also effective when preventing harassment in the workplace. The threat of termination or a civil lawsuit as a punishment helps to reinforce harassment policies set in place by the organization. Coercive power gives a leader control over what is happening in their organization.

What are the disadvantages of coercive?

Disadvantages of Coercive LeadershipEmployee backlash against leadership because of poor relationships.Creates obstacles for innovation and creativity because of employee fear and insecurity.Lack of job satisfaction which leads to low productivity.Can cost the company time and money because of high turnover rates.More items...•

How does coercion affect one's leadership?

Coercive leaders make decisions for their employees without gathering input from them. These leaders analyze every situation that arises and makes choices based on the data they collect rather than the needs of their team. Coercive leaders take full control over the direction of projects and their team's work.

What are some of the negative effects of the abuse of power?

The major effects of abuse of power are anarchy, rebellion, coup, underdevelopment, crises, political turmoil, assassination etc. Abuse of power creates ills feelings among political opponents. This situation brings underdevelopment, exploitation, corruption, indiscipline and all forms of ills in the society.

What are some examples of coercive power?

Coercive power is conveyed through fear of losing one's job, being demoted, receiving a poor performance review, having prime projects taken away, etc. This power is obtained through threatening others. For example, the VP of Sales who threatens sales folks to meet their goals or get replaced.

How can power be misused?

What is Misuse of Power? We can all misuse our relationship power at times when we make mistakes or respond inappropriately. Let's define the misuse of power as: any act resulting in physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering (including threats) of such acts as coercion or control.

What is coercive influence?

Coercive influence is defined as the application of direct pressure through communicating adverse consequences of non-compliance to encourage specific behaviors (Frazier & Rody 1991). Non-coercive influence seeks to affect behaviors by suggesting positive outcomes from compliance (Frazier & Rody, 1991).

How do you deal with coercive power?

When coercive power is used on us to change our behavior, we immediately adopt one of these three possible responses: fight back, flee (psychologically or physically), or give in.

What are the six styles of leadership?

The six styles of leadership are visionary, coaching, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting, and commanding. Coercive power is usually used mostly i...

Why is coercive leadership bad?

Coercive leadership is only bad when the management of an organization abuses it. It can lead to suppressed creativity and innovation, cause a high...

What is coercive power in government?

Coercive power can be used in government as well because they operate much like any other organization. Coercive power in government is probably mo...

Why is coercive power used?

Coercive power is used to control employees and make sure rules are upheld. Coercive power can be an efficient tool to maintain standards and incre...

What are the advantages of coercive power?

The key advantage of coercive power is in its ability to force compliance from employees. As such, it is useful in certain situations, as highlighted below: 1 » Insubordination: if an employee is consistently late or taking longer than allowed lunch breaks, then coercion could be used to force the employee back into line. The leader could threaten removal of bonus, the use of the capability process, or even immediate dismissal to force the employee to obey. 2 » Preventing harassment and discrimination: suspension or termination could be used as a threat to ensure that the company’s rules and policies are being followed, including those related to harassment and discrimination in the workplace. 3 » Turnaround situations: A turnaround situation exists when a company or department needs to be turned around as soon as possible, as otherwise it will go bust or be shut down. It is natural for some members of a team to be resistant to change, but in a turnaround situation there is no time for this. The company needs to change now, and is at risk if it doesn’t. In a turnaround situation the threat of job losses can be a useful tool in getting employees to commit to the new way of working. Coercive power is also useful in the military equivalent of a turnaround situation – where there is imminent danger.

What is coercive power?

French and Bertram Raven in 1959. Coercive power is defined as the use of force to get an employee to follow an instruction or order, where power comes from one’s ability to punish the employee for noncompliance. This power is in use, for example, ...

What are the two types of coercion?

Note that there are two types of coercion – direct and indirect. Direct coercion is a deliberate threat by a leader to elicit a specific behaviour. Indirect coercion is where the threat is perceived by the employee, regardless of whether it is real or not. An example of indirect coercion is where an employee starts to work longer hours in ...

Does coercion work?

Only works if used sparingly: Coercion as your standard source of workplace power isn’t sustainable in the long term. Doesn’ t work if you are not able to carry out the threat: In this case the threat is counterproductive, and your authority as a leader can be undermined.

How does coercive power affect cooperation?

We shed light on the cognitions that are elicited via coercive and legitimate power of authorities and in turn impact the intention to cooperate. Earlier research shows that coercive power and legitimate power both enhance cooperation in public good dilemmas, where individual interests collide with collective ones (Masclet et al., 2003; Tyler, 2006; Van Lange et al., 2013; Hartl et al., 2015). However, the actual underlying cognitions responsible for the increase in cooperation are not well-understood.

What is the relationship between coercive power and/or legitimate power and intended cooperation?

Hypothesis 3: The relationship between coercive power and/or legitimate power and intended cooperation is mediated by implicit trust, reason-based trust, the antagonistic climate, the service climate, enforced compliance and voluntary cooperation.

How does the slippery slope framework affect trust?

According to the slippery slope framework the perception of authorities' power is assumed to impact individuals' cognitions, such as trust in authorities ( implicit and reason-based trust), the relational climate (antagonistic and service climate), and motives for contribution (enforced compliance, voluntary cooperation; Gangl et al., 2015). Implicit trust is diminished when authorities apply coercive power; in contrast, reason-based trust is strengthened by legitimate power. Coercive power induces an antagonistic climate between authorities and individuals. Legitimate power stimulates a service climate. Finally, coercive power leads to enforced compliance, and legitimate power results in voluntarily cooperation.

How does power affect climate?

Empirical research on the impact of power on climates is rare (Alm and Torgler, 2006; Hofmann et al., 2014). Derived from a study on the relationship commitment of business partners (Fu et al., 2013), connections between power and the service climate can be assumed. Legitimate power relates positively to a service climate (i.e., relationship commitment), whereas coercive power relates negatively to it. Based on these results, we predict that in general, coercive power stimulates an antagonistic climate, whereas legitimate power stimulates a service climate. However, the effects on climate when coercive power and legitimate power are exerted simultaneously are not clear as empirical studies are lacking.

How does trust affect cooperation?

The direct impact of power on trust might in turn also impact cooperation. Thus, trust might be a mediator for the relationship between power and cooperation. However, up to now, most empirical research treats trust as a moderator of the impact of power on cooperation. A meta-analysis shows that power in a trusted environment leads to more cooperation than does power that is exerted in a low-trust environment (Balliet and Van Lange, 2013). Furthermore, experiments show that sanctions exerted by trusted authorities, compared to non-trusted authorities, evoke stronger moral judgments about free-riders (Mulder et al., 2009). There is empirical evidence that power also directly impacts trust (Kramer, 1999; Bijlsma-Frankema and Costa, 2005; Fu et al., 2013). Thus, we assume that trust is not only a moderator but also a mediator between power and cooperation. Coercive and legitimate power impact trust and might consequently influence cooperation with the authorities.

When coercive and legitimate power are applied together, the resulting motives to comply are unclear.?

When coercive and legitimate power are applied together, the resulting motives to comply are unclear. Although, results indicate cooperative behavior based on coercive and legitimate power, the underlying cognitions are still unexplored (Hofmann et al., 2014; Hartl et al., 2015). First, empirical evidence indicates that people cooperate voluntarily when legitimate power is high, but only under the condition that rule-breakers can be punished (Kroll et al., 2007). Thus, the combination of coercive and legitimate power seems to increase voluntary cooperation and enforced compliance. In general we assume that the combination of coercive power and legitimate has the same impact as if coercive power and legitimate power were applied solely.

How does legitimate power affect voluntary cooperation?

Legitimate power, on the other hand, increases voluntary cooperation. Voluntary cooperation is defined as a motivation to cooperate with the authorities because one wants to reciprocate the positive experience gained through applied legitimate power (Kelman, 2006). Legitimate power activates a felt urge to reciprocate the legitimate treatment (Feld and Frey, 2007). Thus, individuals voluntarily accept their obligation to cooperate. Authorities support customers and clients (e.g., tax authorities offer pre-printed forms that can be submitted without the need for the taxpayer to fill in the form) so that cooperation is perceived as easy and a natural reciprocal act. Although, coercive power and legitimate power are assumed to increase cooperation, the rationale behind cooperation differs fundamentally1.

Who can use coercive power?

The person who has ability to punish or reward the employee can use coercive power or reward power to get the tasks done.

Why is reactive power important?

Without this there won’t be any magnetic linkage, no electromagnetic induction, no motion and hence no induced emfs and currents.

What is reactive power Q?

Reactive power Q (VAR) is needed for a proper functioning AC power system to keep the voltage up and is related to the active power P (kW) and apparent power S (kVA) through the power triangle. For a reliable and stable operation of the power system, an active power balance must be present at all times, and the reactive power has to be balanced as well. Unlike active power, reactive power cannot be transmitted over long distances; it has to be generated locally. The amount of reactive power compared to the amount of active power in the transmission grid is much bigger than in the distribution

Why does VAR demand increase?

Due to heavy inductive load on a system voltage lags behind current means system power factor starts lagging, hence leading VAR demand will be more. it has got some effect:

Why are industrial users penalized?

Industrial users are penalized by some power companies for having too much reactive load. This makes it desirable and profitable for them to spend the money on capacitive banks to bring power factor back towards unity. Their reactive load may vary some, but not a lot, depending on the industry. When I was working, it was fairly common for me to be asked to do a power study at a factory to see if they could save money by adding capacitor banks.

What will happen if the KVA factor is low?

Effect on Generators: With the low power factor KVA as well as Kw capacities will be lowered. copper loss will also increase & finally the efficiency will be decreases.

What happens to voltage in off peak hours?

in off peak hours system runs with a leading power factor hence system voltage will be more which will damage the equipments.

Why does coercive power not work?

The debate over school closures in the United States is one example—as is well known, children are at a much lower risk of being affected by Covid-19. This is the reason why centralized coercive power often does not work during incidents such as a pandemic. The counteractive power that we now see being mobilized may be a reaction to the dysfunctional effects of coercive power through lockdowns, i.e., increased alcoholism and drug use, suicide rate, abuse, depression, unemployment and economic collapse.

What is the effect of intrusive coercive force?

The use of intrusive coercive force may lead to counteractive power, loss of trust and increasing conflict in a society. Our studies suggest that expert power and the active use of role models with integrity, trust and commitment are constructive options to change people's behavior in the current demanding situation.

How to deal with external shock?

Introducing intrusive coercive programs to change behavior is often the easiest strategy to deal with an external shock such as Covid-19. Coercion may, of course, be necessary initially to attune people's attitudes to the fact that health authorities have legitimate power to influence behavior. Thus, the use of coercive power leads people to change their view of the role of health authorities. However, our data suggest that long-term coercion may have the opposite effect of what is intended.

Why is coercion necessary?

Coercion may, of course, be necessary initially to attune people's attitudes to the fact that health authorities have legitimate power to influence behavior. Thus, the use of coercive power leads people to change their view of the role of health authorities. However, our data suggest that long-term coercion may have the opposite effect ...

Why is the expert power important?

Covid-19 has shown that the "expert power" to influence people to comply with recommendations is about to "erode" because experts have become part of political struggle for power. We see the shaping of a dysfunctional role conflict between experts and politicians. Expertise is a key factor in achieving performance, as our studies suggest. That is why the unequivocal role of experts in the service of knowledge must be emphasized right now. Their ability to translate "objective" advice and documented knowledge and research into active action by people has been more important than ever during Covid-19.

Does intrusive coercion change behavior?

Our studies suggest that the use of intrusive coercion to change behavior can have negative results. On the other hand, they also show that expert power and positive role models are essential to changing behavior.

Is coercive force a negative force?

Furthermore, the use of "coercive force" can produce negative or even dysfunctional effects. It is not surprising that we now see demonstrations in Italy, the UK, the United States and Germany against strict measures that people perceive as intrusive "coercive power.".

How effective is coercive leadership?

The coercive style of leadership only remains effective when the leader is able to carry out the threats of discipline they issue. If there isn’t a way to carry out the threat as stated, then the leader undermines their own position.

What are the advantages of coercive leadership?

List of the Advantages of Coercive Leadership. 1. Coercive leaders know how to get jobs done quickly. A coercive leader allows for zero excuses within the workplace. If you’re a direct report who has been given an order, then you’re expected to follow through on the assignment.

What are the two most common adjectives used to describe a coercive leader?

For the average worker who reports to a coercive leader, the two most common adjectives they would use to describe their job is that they are overworked and underpaid . A lot can be asked of workers when a coercive leader issues orders demanding strict compliance.

What is the only opinion that matters when using the coercive leadership style?

There is only one opinion that matters when using the coercive leadership style, and that belongs to the person in charge. People may even be disciplined if they attempt to bring an opinion to any situation, unless they were given permission by the leader to do so in the first place.

What is coercive leadership?

Managers practicing coercive leadership take an authoritarian approach to the relationships they form with their direct reports. The foundation of this leadership style is that the manager issues orders, then the direct reports are required to follow them.

Why is improved efficiency important?

The improved efficiency typically leads toward improved production as well. This is a good advantage for teams that are underperforming and other options to improve their performance have already been tried. 3. This leadership style can improve workplace safety.

What happens when a worker feels like the leader is abusing their authority?

If a worker feels like the leader is abusing their authority when interacting with them specifically, it may lead to a backlash threat where the worker targets the leader in response. Because coercive leaders are also micromanagers, a response might range from sabotage to physical confrontation. 5.

When is coercive power most effective?

Coercive power is most effective, however, when the threat of violence or other punishment is sufficient in itself to get the target to accede to the demand.

Who said the cost of coercive power is ironic?

The cost of coercive power, in the extreme, is succinctly stated by Boulding: "It is ironic that the more threat power [Boulding's term for coercive power] and the power of destruction are exercised, the less the chance that the exercisers will survive." [18]

What is the meaning of coercion?

Louis Kriesberg offers a succinct definition that captures the essence of coercive power: "Coercion involves trying to make the other side yield by reason of fear or actual force ." [8] When he refers to fear, he is referring to threat; we feel threatened when we think that force will be applied if we do not accede to the other's demands.

What are the dimensions of military power?

For the nation-state, the military is the primary institution of coercive power and the threat thereof. The extent of its power is a function of four dimensions: 1 Numbers: of men, weapons, equipment, and resources; 2 Technology: the effectiveness and sophistication of weapons and equipment; 3 Organizational: the coherence, discipline, training, and morale of the troops and the effectiveness of command and control relationships; and 4 Societal: the ability and willingness of the society to apply military force effectively. [11]

How does a threat affect a target?

Threats thus affect target and demander alike. An effective threat generates fear in the target, and pushes the target toward behavior in which she or he otherwise would not engage. For the threatener, the threat is a constraint on her or his own future action.

Why do warring enemies sign truces?

The warring enemy may sign a truce, because it no longer has resources to continue the fighting. Coercive power is most effective, however, when the threat of violence or other punishment is sufficient in itself to get the target to accede to the demand.

What does power cover?

Power covers the domination of man by man, both when it is disciplined by moral ends and controlled by constitutional safeguards, as in Western democracies, and when it is that untamed and barbaric force which finds its laws in nothing but its own strength and its sole justification in its aggrandizement. [1]

What is coercive power?

Coercive power is but one of many types of power.   This is defined as “potential to influence others through the administration of negative sanctions or the removal of positive events.”  (Hughes & al., 1993, p. 119).   While, initially, this description reminds me of my youth and the possibility of one of my parents sending me to bed without dinner, the situation can possibly get more nefarious.   With extreme leaders and in extreme situations, this type of power has brought about large scale acts of violence and death.   These would be associated with inappropriate uses of coercive power, but coercive power nonetheless.

Why do people obey the law?

So one reason people obey the law is they believe the government knows more than they do. Legitimate power, is formal authority, and the government is the body chosen by the people to create laws, including speed limits. So another reason people obey the law is due to their deference to the government’s legitimate power.

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