Joey Cheng: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The pursuit of social rank is a recurrent and pervasive challenge faced by individuals across human societies. Yet, the precise means through which individuals compete for social standing remain unclear. This talk examines the dynamics of two fundamental avenues—fear and respect—to social rank. I will begin by highlighting how these strategies differ—in terms of their characteristic personality, emotional, verbal, and nonverbal patterns. I will then present evidence demonstrating the viability of fear and respect for effectively ascending the social hierarchy in both the lab and the field. Finally, I will discuss new research that examines the impact of fear- and respect-based leadership on group functioning and follower well-being. Taken together, this emerging line of research suggests that fear and respect represent two distinct pathways to social rank. Underpinned by a unique suite of cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes, these pathways shape the hierarchical order of individuals within groups and promote collective success, albeit under different circumstances.