UvA research: People who bend the rules are seen as good leaders

There is a paradox, says UvA social psychology professor Gerben van Cleef. On the one hand, science shows that people value others when they follow the rules, because “if everyone followed their own rules, it would become a mess over time.” On the other hand, there is scientific evidence that people who break the rules give off a certain feeling, which impresses others.

However, it is not the people who follow the rules, nor those who break them, who are most respected. New research by UvA professor Astrid Homan, together with three UvA scientists, including Van Kleef, shows that people consider a third group to be the most attractive leaders. These are people who know how to circumvent the rules, so-called “rule-flippers”.

Take tax evaders, for example. “You can simply commit fraud, or you can hire a team of smart tax consultants and set up all sorts of private limited companies,” Van Cleef explains. In both cases, you pay less tax, but the former is illegal and the latter is not. That makes tax evaders more attractive as leaders than tax fraudsters.

What does it say about people that we look to rule breakers as attractive leaders?

“It shows that we are largely guided by self-interest and group interest. The two often go together. People look for ways to help their group get ahead. If someone can get around the rules—which are often seen as frustrating or difficult—that is seen as fun. Because it helps achieve goals.