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How power corrupts relationships: cynical attributions for others’ generous acts. (2012)

“Exploring how power corrupts relationships, the researchers find that power creates doubt about the motives behind the kind acts of others. As a result, power-holders may become cynical of seemingly altruistic gestures

 

Inesi, E., London Business School
Gruenfeld, D., Stanford Graduate School of Business
Galinsky, A., Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 48(4): 795-803.

Power can be isolating. Although people often seek power in the pursuit of feeling loved and valued, the powerful often find true love elusive. The moment a subordinate or fan tries to get close may be the very moment in which power-holders become cynical of others, and this can heavily impact relationship development, according to new research.

Exploring how power corrupts relationships, the researchers find that power creates doubt about the motives behind the kind acts of others. As a result, power-holders may become cynical of seemingly altruistic gestures, a cynicism that prevents them from engaging in relationship building behaviours.

Whether in the spotlight or at the top of the career ladder, those in positions of power may doubt the purity of others’ beneficent motives and push away those close to them.  The irony is the “corrupting effect of power on relationships is specifically triggered by the very acts that typically lead to greater intimacy: favours.” The researchers suggest that power-holders remember that everyone is not seeking to grasp at their power.

Access the full paper here: How power corrupts relationships: cynical attributions for others’ generous acts

 


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