Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Social power has long been associated with unethical behavior. This thesis sought to contribute to the understanding of how power corrupts by conducting experimental and correlational studies with a focus on ecological validity. The examination of individual differences was conducted in tandem with the natural acquisition of power. Likewise, the examination of situational influences was accompanied by the consideration of the common experiences of the powerful. Firstly, dominance, an individual difference intertwined with the desire for power, but a concept that is discrete from power, was associated with increased unethical behavior, such as cheating in die throws and puzzles, and breaking of Covid-19 containment rules (Chapter 2). The tendency of the powerful to engage in dishonesty was explained by the concentration of dominant individuals occupying the top of social hierarchies. The association between dominance and unethical behavior extended to engaging in questionable research practices (QRPs) among students and career academics (Chapter 3). This link emerged for aggressive conceptions of dominance, but less so for softer facets of dominance, such as leadership motivation. Evidence supporting the hypothesis that power amplifies dominant individuals’ propensity to engage in dishonesty was not found (Chapters 2 & 4). Secondly, the unique effects of power were examined. Power did not boost dishonesty, in either morally ambiguous, or clear decisions (Chapter 5). Nevertheless, compared to the powerless, the powerful displayed more dishonest behavior in gain frames (to pursue a positive outcome), suggesting that the frequent exposure to gain frames for the powerful may explain why the powerful seem to engage in unethical behavior. In loss frames (to avoid a negative outcome), dishonesty was high regardless of power levels (Chapter 6). Lastly, meta-analyses revealed close connections between individualism (perceiving individuals as independent from the group), dominance, and dishonesty (Chapter 7). Overall, this thesis established that dominance predicts dishonesty. The influence of dominance was present controlling for numerous associated variables including social power, individualism, and was not easily amplified by situational or personal factors. Furthermore, power did not trigger unethical behavior. The association between power and unethical behavior in natural settings was explained by the over-representation of dominant individuals at the top.
Author: Kim, Kyoo Hwa
Institution: University College London
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7009259437