Individuals with dark triad traits are more likely to seek positions of power, leading to potential abuse of authority.
Historical factors like wartime conquests and agricultural developments have shaped power dynamics in societies.
Power dynamics influence both psychology and brain chemistry, impacting behavior and stress levels.
Deep dives
The Attraction to Power and the Dark Triad Traits
Power and authority often attract individuals with traits associated with the Dark Triad - narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These individuals, driven by ambition and a desire for power, are more likely to seek positions of authority. Research highlights that these traits, when managed effectively, can aid in achieving success in leadership roles. However, the prevalence of such individuals in power positions poses challenges, as their manipulative tendencies and self-serving behaviors can lead to abuse of power and negative outcomes.
Historical Evolution of Power and Hierarchy
Throughout human history, societies have evolved from egalitarian structures to systems of hierarchies and power dynamics. Factors like wartime conquests and the advent of agriculture contributed to the consolidation of power in individuals or small groups. The shift to larger societies led to the development of hierarchies, impacting how power is distributed and maintained. Understanding the historical context of power dynamics sheds light on the complexity of modern societal structures and the potential for better systems.
Impact of Power Dynamics in Everyday Settings
Power dynamics extend beyond national governments to smaller, everyday settings like homeowners associations and workplaces. Instances of power abuse and manipulation can be observed in micro-level environments, emphasizing the universal nature of power struggles. The story of a homeowners association president exemplifies how individuals with dark triad traits can exploit power vacuums and engage in controlling behaviors. By recognizing these dynamics, communities can strive to create systems that attract service-oriented individuals and mitigate power abuses.
The Influence of Faces on Leadership Perception
Research reveals that individuals, including children and adults, exhibit a cognitive bias towards selecting leaders based solely on facial appearance. In a study where children were asked to choose a 'ship captain' based on faces of a French parliamentary election winner and runner-up, the majority selected the winner. This highlights a significant reliance on superficial characteristics in leadership perception, indicating that rational leadership selection might be a myth.
Effects of Power on Perception and Behavior
Acquiring power not only changes individuals psychologically but also alters their brain chemistry, as seen in studies with monkeys. Power can lead to a dehumanizing view of subordinates, impulsivity, rule-breaking, and a belief in illusory control. Furthermore, power dynamics impact stress levels, with lower-status individuals exhibiting more stress-related behaviors like substance abuse. Understanding these effects is crucial for mitigating the negative consequences of power.
By way of an answer, you probably think of that famous quote from Lord Acton, "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." But my guest today, Brian Klaas, would say that's only one part of what leads to corrupt individuals and cultures, the other being that people who are already corrupt are more likely to seek power in the first place. Brian argues that if we ever hope to develop better systems, from our national governments to our office hierarchies, we have to work on both prongs of this dynamic, not only preventing people who gain power from going bad, but encouraging good people to seek power as well.
Brian is the author of Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How It Changes Us, and today on the show, he and I discuss how people who possess the so-called "dark triad" of traits are more attracted to positions of power, how the framing around those positions can either amplify or alter this self-selection effect, and what a tyrannical homeowners' association president and a psychopathic school janitor show us about these dynamics. We also discuss why power does indeed corrupt people and can in fact change their very brain chemistry. Brian explains the importance of accountability in keeping a system clean, and how you can serve in positions of power without becoming corrupted yourself.
