Behavior

Prosocial Leadership

Leadership based on providing benefits to followers rather than through dominance or coercion. Leaders gain influence through helpfulness.

Used in the Books

This term appears in 1 chapter:

Competitive Dynamics Alpha vs True Alpha

"...2-4× longer than aggressive bullies the group waited to overthrow (de Waal, 1982, Chimpanzee Politics). The pattern appears across primate species: prosocial leadership sustains dominance far longer than despotism. The "selfish alpha" is not just morally inferior - it's evolutionarily unsuccessful. :::share{variant=..."

Biological Context

Elephant matriarchs lead through knowledge sharing, not force. Experienced whales guide migration. The best-connected individuals in animal social networks often provide information and conflict resolution. Prosocial leaders are followed because following is beneficial.

Business Application

Prosocial leadership creates voluntary followership. Leaders who primarily benefit themselves face constant resistance; those who genuinely help followers build lasting influence and loyalty.

Related Terms

Dominance Hierarchy Leadership Currencies

Tags

behaviorleadershipsocial