| In this paper, we explore why and when perfectionistic leaders are likely to abuse subordinates. The results of a multi‐wave, multi‐source survey study of 253 pairings of leader–subordinate dyads indicate that perfectionistic leaders are likely to perceive less control than non‐perfectionistic leaders and are thus likely to show more abusive behaviour towards subordinates. In addition, subordinate feedback‐seeking behaviour moderates this mediated relationship. Specifically, the less… |