Power, Status and Hierarchy in Sport Flashcards
What is hierarchy defined as by Magee and Galinsky in 2008?
Implicit or explicit rank order of individuals or groups with respect to valued social dimension
What is rank in reference to hierarchy?
Where an individual falls within the hierarchy
What is valued social dimension in reference to hierarchy?
A behaviour signifying dominancy - overpowering opponent
Skill/trait that is considered ideal
How is social status measured?
Through opinion or reputation
Some physical features, hormone levels, behaviours can be used to predict a persons social status
What is high social status associated with?
Admiration and respect
What can be used to infer social status?
Power - contextual trait that implies control
Dominance - behaviour/trait associated with ability to acquire resources –> create disparity of power
What are the dimensions that can be used to determine a hierarchy?
Power
Status
Participation
What traits are associated with Sociable Dominance?
Exhibit expertise Maintain eye contact when speaking Prolong gaze Disagree Assertive Give opinion freely
What traits are associated with Aggressive Dominance?
Exhibit expertise Maintain eye contact when listening Bargains Disagree Various antisocial - interrupt, deceitful, evasive, threaten Give opinion freely Assertive Persuasive Persistent
How can status in sport be split up
Starters - high status, begin on pitch
Non-starters - lower status, begin off pitch, irregular play time
How do the perceptions of starting athletes vary from non-starters?
Increased perception of dedication
Increased social cohesion - attraction to team
Satisfaction with ability utilisation
What perceptions held by non-starting players are different from starting status?
Higher role ambiguity
Low role clarity and belief in their capability
What do perceptions of status influence?
Thoughts
Attitudes
Behaviours
How do people with high status tend to vary from those with low status?
People pay more attention to them
People follow their gaze more
Remembered better
Overcome audience effect on performance better
may have decreased empathy and may take into account others perspectives less person dependent
What research did Christie and Barling do on social inequality in sport?
How status inequality impacted performance and physical health in NBA teams
Status inequality impede performance (esp. in lower status)
No link with physical health
What is the cultural emphasis on in relation to hierarchy?
Having a legitimate unequal distribution of power, roles and resources
How can hierarchies emerge?
Top down - formal, organisation differentiate in authority and pay
Bottom up - informal, based on face to face interactions
Steepness and strength vary across organisations as does nature of relationship between ranks
What are the pros and cons of a hierarchy?
+ clearly defined roles - improve group co-ordination and reduce conflict
- prevent low ranking members voicing opinion
How can power distance affect hierarchy?
Low ranking members in large power difference society won’t disagree with high ranking
High rank won’t consult low rank in decisions
Give an example of a sporting hierarchy
F1 team:
Driver –> manager –> team admin –> team sponsors –> technical staff –> medical team
What did research by Anichich et al. 2014 show regarding hierarchy?
Climbing Expeditions from more hierarchical countries have more climbers reach summit but more die along way
No difference in solo expedition
Hierarchy beneficial for highly interdependent tasks but can stifle psychological safety and information sharing
Why is chain of command critical for success according to Anichich et al.?
Clarify roles and responsibilities
Avoid communication errors
