Q. In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples.

Model Answer: 

Coercion and Undue Influence in the Workplace

Coercion

Coercion in the workplace refers to the practice of forcing or intimidating an employee to act against their will through the use of threats, violence, or other forms of pressure. It involves explicit or implicit threats of negative consequences if the employee does not comply with demands.

Undue Influence

Undue influence, on the other hand, is a more subtle form of manipulation where one person takes advantage of a position of power or trust to improperly influence another’s decisions or actions. It often involves exploiting a relationship or vulnerability to pressure someone into making choices they wouldn’t otherwise make.

Key Differences

Nature of Pressure:
– Coercion typically involves overt threats or force.
– Undue influence relies on psychological manipulation and exploitation of relationships.

Use of Force or Threats:
– Coercion often includes explicit threats or physical intimidation.
– Undue influence rarely involves direct threats, instead using subtle pressure tactics.

Exploitation of Relationship:
– Coercion can occur between any parties, regardless of relationship.
– Undue influence usually stems from an existing relationship of trust or authority.

Example of Coercion in the Workplace

A manager threatens to fire an employee unless they work unpaid overtime to complete a project. This direct threat of job loss to force compliance is a clear example of coercion.

Example of Undue Influence in the Workplace

A senior executive repeatedly emphasizes to a junior employee how their career advancement depends on “being a team player.” The executive then asks the employee to falsify financial reports. While no direct threat is made, the implied consequences and exploitation of the power dynamic constitute undue influence.

Impacts on Work Environment

Both coercion and undue influence can have severe negative impacts on a workplace:
– Decreased morale and job satisfaction
– Increased stress and anxiety among employees
– Erosion of trust in leadership and colleagues
– Potential legal liabilities for the organization
– Reduced productivity and creativity
– Higher turnover rates as employees seek healthier work environments

Conclusion: Recognizing and addressing coercion and undue influence is crucial for a healthy work environment. Organizations must implement policies and mechanisms to prevent these issues, fostering a workplace where employees can make decisions free from improper pressure.