Power corrupts and being sure of felt power corrupts even more: Implications for immoral decisions and cheating.
Saved in:
| Title: | Power corrupts and being sure of felt power corrupts even more: Implications for immoral decisions and cheating. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Toader, Irina, Moreno, Lorena, Briñol, Pablo, Petty, Richard E. |
| Source: | European Journal of Social Psychology. Apr2025, Vol. 55 Issue 3, p520-531. 12p. |
| Subjects: | Power (Social sciences), Self-evaluation, Research funding, Self-actualization (Psychology), Student cheating, Confidence, Ethics, Ethical decision making, Research, Student attitudes, COVID-19 pandemic, Self-perception |
| Abstract: | Feeling powerful has been generally associated with cheating. We argue that being sure of felt power strengthens the ability of perceived power to influence cheating and guide immoral decisions. In three different studies, we predicted and found that confidence (measured or manipulated) moderated the impact of felt power (measured or manipulated) on making immoral decisions during the Covid‐19 pandemic and actual cheating behaviour. Results indicated that power predicted cheating especially when participants were sure of their felt power. For those with low confidence, felt power did not affect cheating. Among other implications, these studies specify when and for whom the undesired effects of felt power can emerge and how to undermine them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of European Journal of Social Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Feeling powerful has been generally associated with cheating. We argue that being sure of felt power strengthens the ability of perceived power to influence cheating and guide immoral decisions. In three different studies, we predicted and found that confidence (measured or manipulated) moderated the impact of felt power (measured or manipulated) on making immoral decisions during the Covid‐19 pandemic and actual cheating behaviour. Results indicated that power predicted cheating especially when participants were sure of their felt power. For those with low confidence, felt power did not affect cheating. Among other implications, these studies specify when and for whom the undesired effects of felt power can emerge and how to undermine them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 00462772 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/ejsp.3099 |
