How do mob boss dynamics work?

Nearly every entity that interacts with them is terrified of the mob boss, but none of them stand up or even say a critical thing, often even in private. Why?

Because they know that the boss has tremendous power over them, and also that the boss is eager to capriciously use that power, including in private ways that no one else can see.

It's always hearsay and gossip, whispered warnings of over-the-top and terrifying things that may or may not have happened, chilling everyone's confidence.

It's a collective action problem.

If everyone stood up to the mob boss, they'd be toppled.

But if anyone defects, then whoever sticks their neck out will get punished.

Individuals can't stand up or they'll be crushed.

So everyone goes along with it, pretending to be OK with it, but desperately hoping for a change.

A supercritical state.

Looks extremely solid and unchangeable, but ready for the right inciting incident and a landslide can change everything.

These kinds of dynamics are typical in late-stage ecosystems with highly powerful central gatekeepers.