ABSTRACT
Those of you who are parents will be familiar with passive-aggression-it is a preferred tactic of determined and defiant children everywhere. The signs are telltale-a sullen stare daring you to make them budge; a sudden and complete failure of memory regarding any standing request you have ever made; and a sheer determination to remain inert in the face of your frustrated pleas. The combination of behaviors is enough to push you over the edge and you can't help wondering, why? Why does my otherwise pleasant and cheerful offspring resort to such nerve-grating tactics? The answer is simple. Children (and unfortunately, sometimes bosses) resort to the power tactics of the powerless. In power struggles where overt aggression would clearly be retaliated against, the passive-aggressor simply becomes obstinate. Stubbornness replaces temper tantrums.
