Social power facilitates the effect of prosocial orientation on empathic accuracy

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2011 Aug;101(2):217-32. doi: 10.1037/a0023171.

Abstract

Power increases the tendency to behave in a goal-congruent fashion. Guided by this theoretical notion, we hypothesized that elevated power would strengthen the positive association between prosocial orientation and empathic accuracy. In 3 studies with university and adult samples, prosocial orientation was more strongly associated with empathic accuracy when distinct forms of power were high than when power was low. In Study 1, a physiological indicator of prosocial orientation, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, exhibited a stronger positive association with empathic accuracy in a face-to-face interaction among dispositionally high-power individuals. In Study 2, experimentally induced prosocial orientation increased the ability to accurately judge the emotions of a stranger but only for individuals induced to feel powerful. In Study 3, a trait measure of prosocial orientation was more strongly related to scores on a standard test of empathic accuracy among employees who occupied high-power positions within an organization. Study 3 further showed a mediated relationship between prosocial orientation and career satisfaction through empathic accuracy among employees in high-power positions but not among employees in lower power positions. Discussion concentrates upon the implications of these findings for studies of prosociality, power, and social behavior.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • California
  • Empathy*
  • Employment / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ontario
  • Orientation*
  • Power, Psychological*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Young Adult