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Leader-follower behavioural coordination and neural synchronization during intergroup conflict
Hejing Zhang1, Jiaxin Yang1,2, Jun Ni1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Nature Human Behaviour
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Group leaders and followers coordinate effectively during in-group defense but poorly during out-group attacks. Neural synchrony between leaders and followers is key for successful group conflict resolution and survival.
Area of Science:
- Social Neuroscience
- Group Dynamics
- Leadership Studies
Background:
- Intergroup conflict involves leaders initiating attacks or organizing defense.
- Group success hinges on follower alignment with leader's strategies.
- Mechanisms of leader-follower coordination in conflict remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate leader-follower coordination during intergroup conflict.
- To examine the neurobehavioral underpinnings of coordinated group action.
- To identify factors influencing group success in conflict scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Participants formed small groups with elected leaders.
- Costly contributions to intergroup conflict were made.
- Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) activity was measured using fNIRS.
Main Results:
- Leaders were more sacrificial during in-group defense, impacting group survival.
- Increased DLPFC activity in leaders during defense predicted their contributions.
- Follower reciprocation and group success correlated with leader-follower neural synchrony, particularly during defense.
- Poor behavioral and neural alignment was observed during out-group attacks, correlating with their failure.
Conclusions:
- Leader-follower neurobehavioral alignment is crucial for successful group conflict resolution.
- Synchronized neural activity facilitates effective coordination during in-group defense.
- Misalignment hinders group performance, especially during offensive actions against out-groups.
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