Exploring overt and covert interpersonal exploitation from the perspective of power

Abstract

Interpersonal exploitation—defined as depriving others of resources while enhancing one's own (Buss and Duntley, 2008)—is a topic that is prevalent in the workplace but less addressed in research. This dissertation takes a strategic and instrumental view to examine who, why, and in which way the exploiter exploits. Study 1 conceptualized two types of interpersonal exploitation: overt exploitation and covert exploitation, and developed a situational judgment test (SJT) to empirically examine the phenomenon. Study 2 used the newly developed measure to test the long-lasting theoretical tension in the research of power. Specifically, Study 2 compared the propositions between two prominent theories of power: power approach and inhibition theory (PAI theory, Keltner et al., 2003) and social distance theory of power (SDT-P, Magee and Smith, 2013). PAI theory posits that powerful people are more likely to exploit others overtly than covertly because powerful people focus on gains and disregard the possibility of retaliation (threats). On the other hand, SDT-P claims that powerful people are more likely to exploit others covertly than overtly because powerful people prioritize superordinate goals and are willing to forego immediate gains for long-term benefits. Although the two theories are pitted against each other, empirical findings did not support either theory. Theoretical implications, practical implications, limitations and future directions are discussed in the dissertation.