Introduction to the Pygmalion and Golem Effects
The Pygmalion effect and the Golem effect are two well-known phenomena that are related to how expectations can impact performance. These concepts have been studied extensively in the fields of psychology and management, and understanding them can be helpful in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to workplace environments.
The Pygmalion Effect: Definition and Origin
The Pygmalion effect, also known as the “self-fulfilling prophecy,” is the phenomenon in which higher expectations lead to better performance. This effect is named after the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with his own creation and wished for it to come to life. In psychology, the term Pygmalion effect was coined by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in the 1960s after conducting a study on elementary school students.
The Pygmalion Effect Study
In the study, teachers were given a list of students who were expected to perform exceptionally well in the upcoming school year based on a test that was supposed to measure academic potential. However, the test was actually a fake and the students were chosen at random. At the end of the school year, it was found that the students who were designated as high potential had actually performed better than their peers in terms of academic achievement.
The Pygmalion Effect in Different Contexts
The Pygmalion effect can be seen in many different contexts. For example, in the workplace, when managers have high expectations for their employees, they tend to perform better and take on more challenging tasks. In personal relationships, when one partner has high expectations for the other, it can motivate them to become a better version of themselves.
The Golem Effect: Definition and Origin
On the other hand, the Golem effect is the opposite of the Pygmalion effect. It is the phenomenon in which lower expectations lead to worse performance. The term Golem effect was coined by J. Sterling Livingston in the 1960s after studying the relationship between supervisors and their subordinates.
The Golem Effect Study
In his study, Livingston found that when supervisors have low expectations of their subordinates, their performance tends to suffer. This is because the subordinates feel undervalued and unappreciated, which can lead to a lack of motivation and engagement.
The Golem Effect in Different Contexts
The Golem effect can be seen in many different contexts as well. For example, in the workplace, when managers have low expectations of their employees, they tend to perform worse and may even become disengaged from their work. In personal relationships, when one partner has low expectations of the other, it can lead to a lack of effort and motivation, which can ultimately harm the relationship.
Conclusion: Importance of Expectations in Performance
In conclusion, the Pygmalion effect and the Golem effect are two important concepts that demonstrate how expectations can impact performance. When individuals are given high expectations, they tend to perform better, while low expectations can lead to decreased performance. As such, it is important to set realistic and challenging expectations for ourselves and for those around us, in order to achieve our goals and reach our full potential.
Dive Deeper
Book Recommendation
“Pygmalion in Management” by J. Sterling Livingston – This book is a classic work on the Pygmalion effect and its implications for management. Livingston explores the research behind the Pygmalion effect and its application in the workplace. He also discusses the ways in which managers can set expectations to motivate their employees and improve performance.
“The Golem Effect: Implications for Organizational Behavior and Leadership” by Sandra L. Robinson and J. Eduardo Romero – This book focuses specifically on the Golem effect and its impact on organizational behavior and leadership. The authors provide an overview of the research on the Golem effect and discuss how it can be mitigated in the workplace. They also provide practical strategies for managers to avoid the negative impact of low expectations on their employees.
Documentary/ Video
If you’re interested in watching videos or documentaries related to the Pygmalion and Golem effects, here are a few recommendations:
“The Pygmalion Effect” – This is a short video by Sprouts that provides a fun and engaging overview of the Pygmalion effect. It explains the science behind the effect and provides examples of how it can be applied in real-life situations.
“The Golem Effect: Psychology of Power” – This is a documentary produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that explores the Golem effect and its impact on workplace dynamics. It includes interviews with experts in the field and provides practical strategies for overcoming the negative effects of low expectations.
“The Power of Expectations” – This is a TEDx talk by Dr. Laurie Santos that explores the ways in which our expectations impact our behavior and performance. While it doesn’t focus specifically on the Pygmalion and Golem effects, it provides a broader perspective on the power of beliefs and expectations in shaping our lives.
I hope you find these resources helpful in your exploration of the Pygmalion and Golem effects!
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