๐Ÿ˜ˆ How our view of society makes us admire coercive leaders

Published by Adrien,
Source: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Other Languages: FR, DE, ES, PT

Researchers surveyed over 2,000 participants about antagonistic, coercive behaviors such as threats or blaming others. They found that reactions to these behaviors depended on each individual's worldview. This discovery sheds light on how we assess the effectiveness of our leaders.

People who see society as a competitive environment tend to find antagonistic leaders, who oppose the norm, more competent. Conversely, those who favor a cooperative vision often judge them ineffective. This divergence in perception highlights the importance of individual beliefs in evaluating leadership behaviors.


Reactions to a leader's antagonistic behaviors depend on the observer's worldview.

The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, suggests that our biases influence our perception of leaders. Researchers used various methods to assess participants' reactions, including hypothetical work scenarios and evaluations of real CEOs. The results show a clear correlation between a competitive view of society and admiration for antagonistic leaders.

This research highlights how our beliefs shape our perception of others. It invites reflection on how we judge leadership behaviors and the impact of our own worldviews. The authors hope their work will encourage a better understanding of leadership dynamics.

How does our view of society influence our perception of leaders?


Our perception of leaders is deeply influenced by our view of society. If we see it as a place of competition, we are more likely to value antagonistic behaviors. Conversely, a cooperative vision leads us to prefer more empathetic leaders.

Studies in social psychology show that these perceptions are often unconscious. They stem from our upbringing, experiences, and the cultural context in which we operate. Understanding this mechanism can help better manage conflicts within teams.

It is also interesting to note that these perceptions can evolve. Training or positive experiences with cooperative leaders can alter our view of society. This opens avenues for improving professional relationships and job satisfaction.

Why do some people admire antagonistic leaders?


Admiration for antagonistic leaders is often explained by a competitive worldview. These individuals perceive harsh behaviors as necessary to succeed in an environment they deem hostile. This admiration reflects a belief in the effectiveness of force and intimidation.

Psychological research suggests this tendency can be reinforced by personal experiences. For example, having lived in highly competitive environments can increase tolerance for antagonistic behaviors. It may also be linked to an idealization of success at any cost.

This admiration can also have negative consequences. It can lead to the normalization of toxic behaviors in the workplace.
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