Do you want to overcome prejudices and boost the performance of your teams? Know that knowing the Pygmalion effect can be useful for successful management. So what is the Pygmalion effect? What are its results, causes and consequences? Find the answer to these questions in this article.
Pygmalion effect: definition
Pygmalion Effect – Source: spm
The Pygmalion effect refers to a theory according to which the simple fact that a person believes in their abilities and skills increases their chances of achieving a goal or being successful. According to this same theory, an individual achieves better results when those around him believe in his abilities. This is called a self-fulfilling prophecy in psychology.
Initially used in the field of education, the Pygmalion effect is now applied in business. In fact, thanks to the support of a structure specialized in mental health at work such as moka.care, managers can use this theory to boost the performance of their teams. In the long run, this will help combat pressure and mental overload at work.
This company also offers group sessions to employees of a company on various topics such as: gaining self-confidence, preventing RSP, etc. You should also know that the Pygmalion effect is also known as the “Rosenthal effect”, named after the psychologist who theorized this concept.
Pygmalion effect experience: what to remember?
Pygmalion effect experiment – Source: spm
Psychologist Robert Rosenthal conducted two experiments to demonstrate the Pygmalion effect. Below we present each of them.
The rat experiment
To test the Pygmalion effect, Dr. Rosenthal and his team first worked with two groups of students who were expected to examine the behavior of rats in a maze. Trainees in the first group who were led by the researcher to believe that the rats they received were “intelligent” stimulated their rats to perform better during the experiment.
In contrast, the students in the second group who thought they had “dumb” rats had the opposite behavior. In reality, it only changed the perception of the students, except that the rats were all the same: none were more “gifted” or “stupider” than her conspecifics.
The experience with children
To demonstrate the Pygmalion effect, psychologist Rosenthal and his team visited a school where they administered IQ tests to all students. The results of these tests have been sent to teaching staff, but they do not really provide information about the children’s IQ.
In fact, the grades were randomly assigned and 20% of the students scored overrated. One year later, the researcher and his team give the students a new assessment. And it is clear that the results are the same as the previous experiment, that is, the students whose teachers thought they were smarter actually did better.
Pygmalion effect: what results?
Results of the Pygmalion effect – Source: spm
Using the Pygmalion effect in business increases the chances of success or completion of a project. Show your employees that you believe in them, and they will do their best and go to great lengths to prove you right. In this way, the objectives will be achieved and the overall performance of the company will be optimized.
However, the Pygmalion effect can have negative impacts on some employees. This happens when you show inequity in the way you support your employees. Under these conditions, your action will be considered favoritism by other collaborators. This state of affairs can even lead to the Golem effect in the context of team management.
Keep in mind that the Golem effect occurs when the negative judgment of a third party leads to a significant drop in the performance of another individual. In business, the Golem effect makes employees inefficient and incompetent. Support your employees in the same way when you decide to use the Pygmalion effect in the workplace.
What are the causes and consequences of the Pygmalion effect?
The Pygmalion effect can be explained in several ways:
- According to the degree of belief of the person who uses the Pygmalion effect;
- Total acceptance of the belief, even if it seems impossible;
- The regular reminder of belief.
Consequently, adopting this conviction allows one to increase self-confidence, one’s own abilities, self-esteem and, therefore, increase the chances of realizing projects or dreams. Keep in mind that the Pygmalion effect can be applied in various areas: at school, in business, in management, in everyday life, etc. This theory also helps reduce anxiety, stay motivated and have a positive view of things.
Just remember that projecting yourself into the future with superior skills and abilities clearly increases the realization of your dreams. To enjoy the positive effects of the Pygmalion effect in business, please value each employee as well as the team, learn to delegate, give autonomy and above all take a critical look at yourself and your relationships with each employee.
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