Abuse Through Power and Control in Human Societies – Essence, Characteristics and Effects

Abstract The object of the present scientific theoretical study is the abuse of power and control as a socially undesirable phenomenon in human behaviour and in human communities. The article examines the topics of power abuse and violence in a social structure, regardless of whether it is the workplace or another human community, the phenomena of harassment, mobbing, bossing and aggression as are considered as counterproductive social human behaviours. The scientific methodology used is a combination of an etymological review of the considered phenomena of violence, harassment, mobbing, bossing and aggression, content analysis of the concepts of the considered phenomena, combined with a critical scientific review. In conclusion, the idea of psychological safety is presented, which refers to the belief that being oneself, expressing oneself and one’s positions is not only useful for a human group, organization, community but must be safe for the individual, emphasizing the creation of a safe surrounding environment.