The Winner Effect—The Neuropsychology of Power

Abstract

When considering the relationship between biology and behaviour we tend to think of the former as having causative effects on the latter. Yet the winner effect clearly illustrates that the reverse may also be the case. Winning—be it physically in battle, competitively in sport, or economically in the marketplace—markedly increases the likelihood that the winner will go on to prevail in a subsequent encounter. The biological underpinning of this phenomenon is thought to be related to the release from the brain into the bloodstream of a hormone that causes levels of circulating testosterone to rise. The changes that this can bring about in humans can be seen most readily in Hubris Syndrome, particularly when success has led to the acquisition of power, as that is when the effects of the extreme self-confidence that ensues are most likely to become apparent, and are often damaging to the welfare of individuals and organisations. In other species, such as the cichlid fish, testosterone release gives rise to changes in size and colour as well as temperament and fertility. The destructive effects that may be born of success and the acquisition of power are not inevitable, depending in some cases on pre-existing dispositions (powerful people who also feel inadequate are the most dangerous) biological differences (testosterone surges vary between individuals, and tend to be higher in males than in females) and the way in which the acquisition of power is experienced (either as a personal gain—‘P-power’, or a social opportunity—‘S-power’).