Power is the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. Therefore, Is it always used responsibility, morally and ethically?

There is a quote that “Power is like a nuclear weapon very dangerous in the wrong hands”.- Matshona Dhliwayo

 

The Misuse of power could be in many forms.

Firstly, there are many political leaders and who have the power to change but it’s not being directed in a good way and it’s causing negative effects to the society or a nation. 

“Power” makes people arrogant and greedy which in turn causes negativity around. For example, In a democratic country, a politician can misuse its power by meddling with the electoral process to gain enough votes as well as fudging the election results within the country or allowing/encouraging external influences on the election.

 

In this way, an election is won unethically. In this way, the Government steals a huge chunk of taxes from people in the name of the development of social infrastructure and security. It also includes physical attacks and public humiliation of the opposition party who was an effective and honest party.

Secondly, In corporate organizations, the misuse of power by higher authorities is a common factor, acts such as harassment to female employees, mistreating employees when he/she is a bad mood, enforcing companies policies and rules on others without following them, constantly shifting the blame on employees for their incompetencies and most important threats of replacing or firing employees. These are unethical acts and just done abusing their power which leads to negative effects on the culture of the organization and its employees.

 

Due to these factors, employees become stressed and unproductive, employee turnover rises, lack of trust builds up to the manager or CEO,s which ultimately affects the country negatively such as higher unemployment or lower GDP.

 

Thirdly, “Illegal business” drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal weapon trafficking, Money laundering, etc, are widespread in many countries due to having corrupted politicians. As a result, people with a political background family or who have close connections with politicians undertake illegal and unethical approaches.

 

Lastly, People are losing their basic human rights, freedom of speech, and choice due to threats and pressure by Immoral and unethical powerful politicians, groups, and organizations. Injustice has become a widespread issue in the world and when people stand for truth and justice and protest they are rather threatened or jailed or even killed.

 

“Power” even influences good people to take unethical and immoral steps due to mixing with other powerful people who are immoral and unethical. Besides, It also influences good people in bad ways due to sudden control that makes them feel proud and arrogance gathers up in their hearts and they slowly lose their conscience.

 

In my opinion, People should be educated about ethics and morals and how to use power in a good way that can cause enormous changes in a country, organization or individuals as people are dependent on the decision of the authority but people have proper rights to democracy and freedom to speak for truth and justice against anyone.

 

With great power comes great responsibility and the one who holds the power shall know it well and shall act accordingly to win people,s respect and support.

 

In conclusion, I would say power to change can be fruitful if its in the hands of the right people. “ Democracy” should be allowed everywhere so people can take part and decisions that affect the way a community is run and vote to their own will to the right people. Similarly, Unity is a prominent factor to reach these goals.