2: The Life Course of Power in Leaders' Decision-making

In social life, power is ubiquitous. It refers to having discretion and the means to asymmetrically exert influence over others' thoughts, decisions, and behaviors (Sturm & Antonakis, 2015). For leaders, such as a department head, power can be exercised through resource allocation, like budget and personnel, to influence subordinates' behaviors. The department head can reward employees who follow her directives with promotions, bonuses, or favorable assignments while punishing those who do not comply by demoting them or withholding resources. At times, the department head may adopt bullying tactics to exercise power, including intimidating, manipulating, belittling, and threatening employees who do not bow to her will. Bullies in the workplace, like bullies in other social settings, often target those who are perceived as weaker or more vulnerable because it is easier for bullies to exert control and influence.