Processing Sequential Status Information

We investigated effects of the provision of sequential status information on influence acceptance. For this purpose we introduced a modification of the experimental paradigm used in expectation states theory (EST) research. Influence acceptance was measured in three rounds. Round 1, in which no status information was conveyed, provided a base rate of influence acceptance. During Round 2 subjects were ascribed higher or lower status than a fictitious partner. During Round 3 subjects again received higher or lower status. Influence acceptance in the four conditions of the 2 x 2 factorial design was compared with the base rate. It appeared that 1) individual differences in influence acceptance-termed individual initial conformity-played a significant role in subsequent influence acceptance; 2) self-serving biases affected status-organizing processes; and 3) combining rather than balancing of sequential status information took place.