When team members feel bullied by a senior member, which power dynamic is usually in play?

Coercive power is typically evident in situations where a senior member's behavior causes team members to feel bullied. This type of power involves the use of threats, intimidation, or punishment to enforce compliance or manipulate behavior. When team members experience bullying, it often stems from this coercive influence, where the senior team member leverages their position to create fear and control.

In contrast, expert power arises from an individual's knowledge or skills, rewarding power is based on the ability to provide benefits or incentives, and legitimate power is derived from a formal position or authority within an organization. These other forms of power do not inherently involve the negative influences that lead to feelings of victimization or bullying among team members. In the context of bullying, it's the coercive aspect that primarily affects the team's dynamics, creating an environment of fear and potential hostility.