A Closer Look: Examining Distance within Status Hierarchies

Abstract

Status hierarchies are a central part of group life. Scholars have devoted considerable attention to understanding the effects of status hierarchies. However, there is unresolved debate about the promises and perils of status hierarchies. In this symposium, we revisit a core assumption in how status hierarchies are typically conceptualized in the literature. Rather than viewing status solely in relative terms, as a rank-ordering of individuals on the basis of prestige, respect, and esteem, we introduce new theory and research that invokes the concept of status distance --- the absolute magnitude of status differences between individuals in a group. Across 5 methodologically diverse papers, we examine the individual, dyadic, and group-level effects of status distance. By exploring status distance from multiple angles, our hope is to open up new theoretical terrain and stimulate novel research questions. The contingent effects of scapegoating in work teams: The moderating role of hierarchy stability Presenter: Stuart Bunderson; Washington U. Presenter: Steven Gray; The U. of Texas at Austin Presenter: Gerben S. Van Der Vegt; U. of Groningen The interactive effect of status distance and newcomer status on willingness to help teammates Presenter: Sarah Doyle; U. of Arizona Presenter: Beth Polin; Eastern Kentucky U. Presenter: Robert B. Lount; Ohio State U. A qualitative investigation of the relationships between leaders and their second-in-commands Presenter: Benjamin Dow; The U. of Texas at Austin Perspective taking and employee deviance: The role of leaders dominance and prestige Presenter: Hemant Kakkar; London Business School Presenter: Niro Sivanathan; London Business School Do we agree on whos in charge here? Status dissensus antecedents and impact on team performance Presenter: Catarina Fernandes; Harvard Business School Presenter: Sujin Jang; INSEAD