People with Competitive Worldview Prefer Tough Managers: Study
In a fascinating study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers have discovered that individuals with a competitive worldview are more likely to respect and admire authoritarian bosses who exhibit antagonistic behavior. This finding challenges the conventional wisdom that employees generally prefer a more benevolent and cooperative leadership style.
The study, conducted by a team of psychologists, suggests that people who view the world as a competitive and unforgiving place are more likely to respond positively to managers who are perceived as mean, tough, and forceful. This is in stark contrast to individuals who have a more cooperative worldview, who tend to prefer managers who are warm, supportive, and nurturing.
The researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 employees and found that those with a competitive worldview were more likely to perceive their managers’ antagonistic behavior as a sign of strength and effectiveness, rather than as a negative trait. In other words, individuals with a competitive worldview are more likely to view a manager who is tough and demanding as a good leader, while those with a cooperative worldview may see the same behavior as abusive or toxic.
The study’s findings have significant implications for organizations and leaders, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership may not be effective. Instead, leaders may need to adapt their management style to suit the worldview and personality of their employees.
The researchers also found that individuals with a competitive worldview were more likely to engage in behaviors that are seen as competitive and self-serving, such as sabotaging their colleagues or trying to undermine their manager’s authority. This suggests that a competitive worldview can lead to a more cutthroat and divisive work environment.
On the other hand, individuals with a cooperative worldview were more likely to engage in behaviors that are seen as collaborative and prosocial, such as helping their colleagues or working together to achieve a common goal. This suggests that a cooperative worldview can lead to a more positive and supportive work environment.
The study’s findings are based on the concept of “worldview,” which refers to an individual’s underlying beliefs and assumptions about the world and how it operates. The researchers used a questionnaire to measure participants’ worldview, asking questions such as “The world is a competitive place where only the strongest survive” or “Most people are basically good and want to help each other.”
The study’s authors suggest that worldview may play a significant role in shaping our attitudes towards leadership and management. They propose that individuals with a competitive worldview may be more likely to respond positively to leaders who exhibit strong, decisive, and assertive behavior, while individuals with a cooperative worldview may prefer leaders who are more collaborative, empathetic, and supportive.
The study’s co-author, Dr. [Name], noted that the findings suggest that “beastly is in…eye of the beholder.” In other words, what one person sees as aggressive or abusive behavior may be viewed as effective leadership by someone else.
The study’s implications are far-reaching, and suggest that organizations may need to rethink their approach to leadership development and management. Rather than promoting a single, universally accepted leadership style, organizations may need to recognize that different employees respond to different types of leadership.
In conclusion, the study’s findings suggest that worldview plays a significant role in shaping our attitudes towards leadership and management. Individuals with a competitive worldview are more likely to respect and admire authoritarian bosses who exhibit antagonistic behavior, while individuals with a cooperative worldview prefer leaders who are warm, supportive, and nurturing. The study’s implications are significant, and suggest that organizations may need to adapt their approach to leadership development and management to suit the diverse needs and worldviews of their employees.
Source:
APA. (2022). People with competitive worldview prefer tough managers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 120(3), 546-557. doi: 10.1037/pspa0000456
https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp-pspa0000456.pdf
