Winner Effect
Early victories in organizational hierarchy establishment create cascading dominance.
A hen winning 3 contests has 85% chance of winning the 4th regardless of opponent - early victories cascade into dominance.
The winner effect is powerful. A hen that wins 3 contests in a row has an 85% chance of winning the 4th, regardless of opponent size. Victory increases testosterone, which increases confidence and aggression, which increases victory probability. Hierarchy establishment creates a self-reinforcing cascade.
Business Application of Winner Effect
Early victories in organizational hierarchy establishment create cascading dominance. Initial wins compound into sustained advantage through increased confidence and momentum, making it critical who wins the first contests during merger integration or reorganization.