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Related Concept Videos

Evolutionary Psychology01:20

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the human psyche...
Impact of Individuals on a Group01:25

Impact of Individuals on a Group

In social psychology, the interplay between individuals and groups is a central concern, particularly regarding how individual actions and characteristics influence group processes and outcomes. While much research emphasizes the group's power in shaping individual behavior, it is equally significant to understand how individuals contribute to the functioning, development, and success of groups.Individual Roles in Group Productivity and Decision-MakingIndividuals are not passive participants in...
What is Evolutionary History?02:35

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...
Milgram's Obedience to Authority02:20

Milgram's Obedience to Authority

Obedience to authority is classically demonstrated in a more famous series of social psychology experiments performed by Stanley Milgram. He was a social psychology professor at Yale who was influenced by the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi war criminal. Eichmann’s defense for the atrocities he committed was that he was “just following orders.”
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

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Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...
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In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...

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Related Experiment Video

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The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
06:48

The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior

Published on: January 19, 2019

Leadership, followership, and evolution: some lessons from the past.

Mark Van Vugt1, Robert Hogan, Robert B Kaiser

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NP, United Kingdom. mvv@kent.ac.uk

The American Psychologist
|April 2, 2008
PubMed
Summary

This study explores leadership as evolved strategies for social coordination, highlighting the ambivalent leader-follower dynamic and mismatches with modern structures. It offers insights into evolutionary leadership psychology.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Organizational Behavior

Background:

  • Leadership is a complex social phenomenon.
  • Mainstream leadership theories often overlook evolutionary roots.
  • Understanding evolved leadership psychology is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze leadership from an evolutionary perspective.
  • To propose novel conclusions challenging mainstream leadership theory.
  • To explore implications for leadership research and practice.

Main Methods:

  • Evolutionary analysis of leadership.
  • Theoretical review of leadership strategies.
  • Examination of social coordination problems in ancestral environments.

Main Results:

  • Leading and following evolved as strategies for social coordination (group movement, peacekeeping, competition).
  • Leader-follower relationships are inherently ambivalent due to exploitation potential.
  • Modern organizational structures may conflict with evolved leadership psychology.

Conclusions:

  • Leadership is an evolved adaptation for social coordination.
  • The inherent ambivalence in leadership dynamics requires attention.
  • Mismatches between evolved psychology and modern organizations can cause alienation.