Power, optimism, and risk‐taking

Abstract Five studies investigated the hypotheses that the sense of power increases optimism in perceiving risks and leads to more risky behavior. In Studies 1 and 2, individuals with a higher generalized sense of power and those primed with a high‐power mind‐set were more optimistic in their perceptions of risk. Study 3 primed the concept of power nonconsciously and found that both power and gain/loss frame had independent effects on risk preferences. In Study 4, those primed with a high‐power mind‐set were more likely to act in a risk‐seeking fashion (i.e., engage in unprotected sex). In Study 5, individuals with a higher sense of power in a face‐to‐face negotiation took more risks by divulging their interests. The effects of power on risk‐taking were mediated by optimistic risk perceptions and not by self‐efficacy beliefs. Further, these effects were attenuated when the high‐power individual felt a sense of responsibility. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.