Different ally motivations lead to different outcomes: How self-transcendence and self-enhancement values predict effectiveness of self-identified allies

Abstract

Dominant group members have different reasons for identifying themselves as allies to marginalized groups. How might these reasons relate to allies’ effectiveness? We use Schwartz’s values theory to integrate disparate work, focusing on two values that can underlie allyship: self-transcendence, or enhancing the welfare of others, and self-enhancement, or personal status and esteem. Across three yoked experiments (N = 3016), we tested how values relate to allies’ intentions, behavior, and persuasiveness. Phase A of each study sampled self-identified allies (e.g., towards LGBTQ+ people, Black people, women). Both self-transcendence and, less consistently, self-enhancement predicted increased activism intentions; only self-transcendence predicted petition-signing behavior. Phase B sampled new participants, who viewed advocacy statements generated by allies in Phase A. We found that ally values affected audience reactions: ally self-transcendence was associated with greater persuasiveness, while self-enhancement was associated with lower persuasiveness. Although both values can generate ally engagement, self-transcendence may promote greater ally effectiveness.