Abuse of power in science, such as the exploitation of precariously employed scientists, is a widespread phenomenon that is fostered by the steep hierarchies in academia. Abuse of power has serious consequences for the affected individuals and for the academic system as a whole, as it leads to an erosion of scientific integrity and problems in the recruitment of young scientists. This article identifies the characteristics of the academic system that favor abuse of power. After describing the problem, it addresses how human resources management and development can help prevent abuse of power and deal professionally with cases of abuse of power that have already occurred.
