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Related Experiment Videos

Power and perspectives not taken.

Adam D Galinsky1, Joe C Magee, M Ena Inesi

  • 1Department of Management and Organizations, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA. agalinsky@northwestern.edu

Psychological Science
|January 5, 2007
PubMed
Summary

High power reduces the ability to understand others' perspectives and emotions. This research shows that increased power can impair empathy and social cognition, affecting how individuals perceive others' viewpoints.

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Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Power dynamics significantly influence social interactions.
  • Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for effective social cognition and empathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between power and perspective-taking abilities.
  • To determine if power influences empathy and the comprehension of others' mental states.

Main Methods:

  • Four experiments involving power priming and a correlational study using individual difference measures.
  • Tasks included drawing an 'E' on the forehead, assessing knowledge gaps, and identifying emotions.

Main Results:

  • High-power participants demonstrated reduced spontaneous adoption of others' visual perspectives.

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  • Individuals with high power anchored more heavily on their own vantage point, failing to adjust sufficiently to others' perspectives.
  • High-power participants were less accurate in identifying others' emotions, suggesting an impediment to empathy.

    • Conclusions:

    • Power is associated with a reduced tendency to comprehend how other people see, think, and feel.
    • Experiencing power can create an impediment to empathy and accurate social perception.
    • Findings highlight the detrimental effects of power on crucial social-cognitive processes.