Manipulation, as in intentional leading of someone's behavior.
"The usual poor decision making" is more erratic. Mix up poor education, poor info, weird ideas about causality, etc., and you'll get all sorts of different behavior.
Well planned disinformation, strong persuasive ads, policy that leads to desperation + overly obvious option to get out... These sorts of things would create a lot more focused of a result.
That definition encompasses almost any human interaction. When I politely ask you to pass the salt, I sure hope to lead your behavior. Is this manipulation?
