Cynical, but useful? A lay beliefs perspective on cynical leaders’ ability to prevent antisocial behavior at work

A lay beliefs perspective on cynical leaders’ ability to prevent antisocial behavior at work”. The project investigated whether lay people consider cynicism - the belief that people are driven primarily by self-interest - to be helpful in preventing antisocial behavior in organizations, and whether this results in an increased preference for cynical leaders.

Across three studies, participants read descriptions of a cynical (vs. trusting) leader and judged the leader's (perceived) ability to detect, punish, and prevent antisocial behavior (and encourage prosocial behavior) in their subordinates, in a between-subjects design.