What type of power is being displayed when a senior crew member bullies a new member?

The situation described involves a senior crew member utilizing bullying tactics towards a new member, which aligns with coercive power. Coercive power is based on the ability to impose penalties or exert influence through fear and intimidation. When an individual uses threats, aggressive behavior, or bullying to control or manipulate others, they are employing coercive power to establish dominance or compliance.

In this context, the senior crew member likely relies on their position and the fear it may instill to assert control over the new member, rather than through earned respect or expertise. Legitimate power, by contrast, is derived from one’s formal position or role within an organization, and does not inherently involve intimidation or hostility. Referent power stems from the personal attributes or relationships one may have, leading others to want to follow or be associated with them, which is not the case in a bullying scenario. Expert power arises from possessing specialized knowledge or skills that others respect or rely on, which again does not pertain to the act of bullying.

Therefore, coercive power is the correct categorization of the behavior exhibited in this scenario.