Noblesse oblige emerges (with time): Power enhances intergenerational beneficence

Leigh Plunkett Tost, Kimberly A. Wade-Benzoni and Hana Huang Johnson

Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 2015, vol. 128, issue C, 61-73

Abstract: Across four experiments, we examine how the experience of power affects intergenerational decision-making. We argue, and empirically demonstrate, that the experience of power enhances intergenerational beneficence. This effect emerges because the experience of power in intergenerational dilemmas prompts a sense of social responsibility among powerholders. In particular, the experience of power in intergenerational contexts leads people to feel an obligation to look out for the long-term interests of others, which in turn enhances generosity to future others. Thus, the positive effect of power on intergenerational beneficence is mediated by a sense of responsibility to look after others’ long-term interests.

Keywords: Power; Ethics; Intergenerational; Time; Social responsibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:128:y:2015:i:c:p:61-73

DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2015.03.003

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