Definition
An evolutionary theory of leader-follower relations that aims to explain why these relations can range from being “bad” (i.e., based on coercion) to “good” (i.e., based on mutually beneficial exchange).
Introduction
The service-for-prestige theory (Price and Van Vugt 2014, 2015) takes an evolutionary perspective on leader-follower relations in order to accomplish two main aims. The first aim is to explain why these relations can range from being “bad” and coercive (i.e., based on a leader’s ability to harm followers) to “good” and voluntary (i.e., based on a leader’s ability to benefit followers). The second aim is to propose that “good” leadership is governed by the logic of reciprocity, whereby leaders deliver public goods to followers in exchange for elevated social prestige. Both of these aspects of leader-follower relations are examined in more detail below.
What Are the Characteristics of “Bad” Versus “Good” Leadership, and Why Does Leadership Quality Vary So Widely?
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Price, M.E. (2016). Service-for-Prestige Theory of Leader-Follower Relations. In: Weekes-Shackelford, V., Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_2555-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_2555-1
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