The Effect Of Power On Altruistic Behavior Under Different Interpersonal Relationships

To provide a clear view of the effects of power on altruistic behavior, two studies were carried out. Study1collected180subjects from two websites, subjects were divided into two groups randomly, their relationship orientation were studied first, then primed with high or low power respectively, in the end, a dictator game(DG) was used to observe their altruistic behavior. Study2decreased the total money in DG from5000to20RMB, collected74subjects from a college in Jiangsu, the procedure of study2was the same with study1, a DG was also used to observe their altruistic behavior. According to the two studies, results are:(1)People with high power gave less money in DG, while people with less power gave more in DG.(2) Not all subjects in low power gave more money in DG, only low power communals gave more money.(3)Commuals gave more money in DG than exchangers. Communals gave more money in DG only when they have less power. High power accentuated communals to give less money in DG.(4)When the money involved in DG decreased from5000to20, the effect of power and relationship orientation disappeared. It was concluded as follows:(1)People with high power would be less altruistic, people with low power would be more altruistic.(2)Communals were more altruistic than exchangers.(3)People with high power were less altruistic, even communals would be less altruistic under condition with high power. Only communals would be more altruistic in low power, exchangers wouldn’t.(4)The effects of power and relationship orientation disappear with the decrease of interest involved.