The tactics described here are less than forthright and ethical, yet they vary in intensity with respect to dishonesty. People in the workplace who ruthlessly manipulate others have therefore come to be called Machiavellians. They tend to initiate actions with others and control the interactions. Machiavellians regularly practice deception, bluffing, and other manipulative tactics.

Some people who attempt to influence others are manipulative, but to a lesser extent than an outright Machiavellian. They gain the compliance of another person by making untrue statements or faking certain behaviors. Effective leaders regularly use motivational techniques such as rewards and mild punishments. Yet, when rewards become bribes for compliance and threats of punishment become severe, the target is subjected to undue pressure or coercion.

A subtle manipulative tactic is debasement, demeaning or insulting oneself to control the behavior of another person. In studying the most severe unethical influence (and political) tactics, it is important to recognize that the use of these influence approaches can bring about human suffering.