The dual nature of power
The dual nature of power
The Power and Behavior: A Closer Look at the Effects of Power on People
Power is a ubiquitous presence in the corporate world, and it permeates every facet of behavior. Research has shown that power has a profound impact on how individuals make decisions and interact with others. It can lead to a disregard for expert advice, a preference for immediate gratification, and an inflated sense of self-importance.
Ana Guinote from University College London conducted a fascinating test that revealed how power influences our food choices. In the test, powerful individuals were more likely to choose tempting food, such as chocolate, over healthier options like radishes. This highlights how power can alter our decision-making processes and push us towards self-indulgence.
Additionally, powerful individuals often lose the ability to empathize with others and see things from their perspective. They become captivated by their own stories, believing them to be more inspiring than those of others. This lack of empathy was demonstrated in an experiment where participants were asked to draw a capital “E” on their foreheads. Those primed to think of themselves as powerful were more likely to draw the “E” as though they were looking at it themselves, making it appear backwards to anyone else.
Interestingly, power can even influence one’s perception of physical attributes. In an experiment, participants who were made to feel powerful tended to overestimate their height compared to a pole and chose lofty avatars to represent themselves in a game. This suggests that power not only affects behavior but also influences individuals’ self-perception.
While it may be challenging to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship, studies indicate that power fosters entitled and self-serving behavior. Those who are more dominant and self-focused may be more likely to climb the corporate ladder. However, possessing power itself has been found to contribute to these behaviors, further reinforcing the notion that power has a transformative effect on individuals.
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It’s worth noting that power not only impacts those in positions of authority but also those in lower positions. A study conducted by Christopher Oveis and his colleagues at the University of California, San Diego, examined how power affects laughter. They found that higher-status individuals laughed more loudly and with less inhibition than lower-status individuals. This discrepancy highlights the social dynamics at play when power enters the equation.
In today’s world, the impact of power is out of sync with the collaborative and transparent nature of high-performing teams. Humility is increasingly valued in senior executives, and hiring processes often prioritize candidates who use “we” instead of “I”. As organizations recognize the need for effective collaboration, industries like aviation have implemented training techniques, such as “crew resource management,” that encourage more egalitarian interactions in the cockpit. Similar approaches can be observed in other hierarchical workplaces like the military and hospitals.
However, power does have its merits. Hierarchies exist for a reason, as they allow for efficient decision-making and coordination. Research by Ozgecan Kocak and her colleagues at Emory University found that flatter organizations spent more time exploring options, while those with clear lines of authority converged more quickly on decisions. This suggests that having someone in charge, regardless of their expertise, facilitates decision-making and prevents excessive deliberation.
Power can be a tool for achieving noble goals. Stanford Graduate School of Business offers a popular course called “Paths to Power,” taught by Jeffrey Pfeffer. The course challenges conventional wisdom by advocating rule-breaking, displays of anger, and even lying to attain success. While these approaches might be controversial, they highlight the significance of power in the pursuit of ambitious goals.
Ultimately, power plays a multifaceted role in organizations. While humility and teamwork are often desired traits, companies also rely on ambition, impatience, and unwarranted self-confidence. Effective managers recognize the ripple effect of their power within their organization. They strike a balance between soliciting input and making authoritative decisions at the right moments. Admitting when they don’t know something can signal inclusivity, but beyond a certain point, it may be perceived as a lack of knowledge and confidence.
In conclusion, power shapes behavior and has far-reaching consequences both for individuals in positions of authority and those lower down the hierarchy. Understanding the effects of power allows organizations to create environments that balance collaboration with efficient decision-making. Embracing both the challenges and opportunities that power presents is key to achieving success in today’s complex corporate landscape.
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