The Self-Promotion Boost: Positive consequences for observers of high-rank self-promoters

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2023 Nov 27. doi: 10.1037/pspa0000364. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThis research examines how self-promotion conducted by relatively higher ranked individuals affects observers' affect and motivation. We developed and tested the idea of a Self-Promotion Boost-superior self-promoters inspire lower ranked observers by sharing achievement-related information that reflects opportunities to succeed in relevant domains, eliciting high-activation positive affect and greater motivation. Results from nine experimental studies (total N = 2,599) revealed that (1) interactions involving self-promotion by superiors (vs. peers or subordinates) lead observers to report greater experiences of high-activation positive affect (e.g., hope, inspiration), whereas peers and subordinates (vs. superiors) generate greater high-activation negative affect. (2) The positive effects of superiors' self-promotion go above and beyond effects elicited by superiors in interactions devoid of self-promotion. (3) Observers' inferences of self-promoters' earned success mediate the relationships between self-promoter rank and observer high-activation positive and negative affect. (4) High-activation positive affect elicited by superiors in turn leads to greater observer-reported motivation. Finally, (5) we found support for our theory that these effects are strengthened when observers view the self-promoting superiors as role models: Superiors elicit high-activation positive affect when they ...
Source: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research