Bias towards power
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Bias towards power can manifest in various ways across different contexts. Here are some insights from experts on this subject:
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Selection for Power: Brian Klaas explains that positions of authority often attract individuals with specific traits, such as ambition and the "dark triad" of machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. This self-selection effect means that people who crave power are more likely to pursue it and succeed, often leading to destructive outcomes 1.
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Impacts on Governance and Regulation: Erik Voorhees discusses that regardless of the political party in charge, governments tend to expand their budgets and regulations. This persistent increase in power and control is a reflection of a systemic bias towards power, driven by the appeal to coercive entities and the pursuit of power by those who should not ideally hold it 2.
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Recruitment and Public Perception: Klaas also notes the influence of recruitment strategies on the type of individuals who seek careers in policing. In the US, militaristic and aggressive recruitment ads attract power-hungry individuals, whereas service-oriented ads in New Zealand have successfully attracted more community-focused individuals, improving public-police relations and reducing violence 3.
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Corporate and Industry Bias: Deb Liu highlights a bias in corporate environments towards individuals who can speak articulately on various topics without preparation. This skillset often propels individuals into higher positions faster, despite being unfair to those who process information differently, including non-native English speakers and introverts 4.
These insights underscore that biases towards power can shape who seeks and attains positions of power, how they maintain control, and the systemic structures that support these dynamics.
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