Power Motivations and Risk Preferences

In the present research, we sought to examine the relationship between the social power motives (dominance, prestige, and leadership) and risk preferences. In study 1, individuals high in the dominance motive were overall more likely to take risks, judge risks as beneficial in their results, and less likely to perceive risks as risky. Similarly, dominance demonstrated robust and unique predictive utility across all measured subdomains of risk taking (ethical, financial, social, recreational, health and safety). In study 2, we replicated the results of study 1 in a larger, more diverse sample while also controlling for narcissism—a possible common cause third variable. We discuss the implications of these findings for the study of power motives and risk-taking behaviors along with possible future directions.