What is the term for aggression from a supervisor toward a subordinate?

What is the term for aggression from a supervisor toward a subordinate?

• A. Vertical violence
• B. Horizontal violence
• C. Lateral violence
• D. Workplace violence

Answer: (A)

Vertical violence captures aggression that flows from a person in a position of authority toward someone with less power, such as a supervisor toward a subordinate. The key is the power differential: the supervisor can use that authority to control, intimidate, or belittle the subordinate, making the aggression directed and hierarchical. This differs from horizontal or lateral violence, which occurs between coworkers at the same level without a boss-subordinate dynamic. Workplace violence is the broad umbrella term that includes all forms of violence occurring in the workplace, including vertical and horizontal types. Recognizing vertical violence is important for understanding how authority dynamics shape aggression, safety, and reporting pathways in real-world settings.

Vertical violence captures aggression that flows from a person in a position of authority toward someone with less power, such as a supervisor toward a subordinate. The key is the power differential: the supervisor can use that authority to control, intimidate, or belittle the subordinate, making the aggression directed and hierarchical. This differs from horizontal or lateral violence, which occurs between coworkers at the same level without a boss-subordinate dynamic. Workplace violence is the broad umbrella term that includes all forms of violence occurring in the workplace, including vertical and horizontal types. Recognizing vertical violence is important for understanding how authority dynamics shape aggression, safety, and reporting pathways in real-world settings.