To Incorporate or not to Incorporate : A Study on how Advice is Affected by Power Instability and the Characteristics of Climate

Abstract

The two first experiments in this study tested the prediction that power instability, as well as climate, affects advice taking. More specific that unstable power holders incorporate advice to a lower degree than stable power holders, and that individuals in a competitive climate incorporate advice to a lower degree than those in a cooperative climate. Further, the proposition that the climate, cooperative and competitive, would moderate the relationship between power instability and advice taking, was examined. The third experiment tested the prediction that unstable power holders seek advice to a lower degree than stable power holders. Experiment 1 confirmed that a competitive climate reduces the degree of advice taking for individuals with stable power. Those with unstable power position was indifferent to the type of climate and discounted the advice to an equal extend, regardless if the advice was given in a cooperative or competitive climate. Experiment 2 show that knowledge of the competent subordinate reduces the feeling of competition. However, advice is still discounted by individuals both in the competitive climate, and with unstable power position. Experiment 3 highlights that both stable and unstable powerholders seek advice from a competent subordinate to a large degree. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.