Can ingroup love harm the ingroup? Collective narcissism and objectification of ingroup members

Abstract

We examined how collective narcissism (a belief in ingroup greatness that is underappreciated by others) versus ingroup identification predicts treatment of ingroup members. Ingroup identification should be associated with favorable treatment of ingroup members. Collective narcissism, however, is more likely to predict using ingroup members for personal gain. In organizations, collective narcissism predicted promoting one’s own (vs. group) goals (prestudy: N = 179), and treating coworkers instrumentally (Study 1: N = 181; and longitudinal Study 2: N = 557). In Study 3 ( N = 214, partisan context), the link between collective narcissism and instrumental treatment of ingroup members was mediated by self-serving motives. In the experimental Study 4 ( N = 579, workplace teams), the effect of collective narcissism on instrumental treatment was stronger when the target was an ingroup (vs. outgroup) member. Across all studies, ingroup identification was negatively, or nonsignificantly, associated with instrumental treatment. Results suggest that not all forms of ingroup identity might be beneficial for ingroup members.

Understanding identity processes in support for reactionary and progressive social movements among advantaged and disadvantaged groups: The role of collective narcissism and secure ingroup identity

“…On the other hand, it could also be linked to, or at least not opposed to, support for conservative ideas and movements that may conflict with the interests of the ingroup (see also Jost et al, 2017). This finding supports research showing that people with high levels of collective narcissism are more concerned with their own self-interest than with the interest of the group, possibly leading to attitudes and behaviours that undermine the ingroup and its members (e.g., disloyalty, objectification of ingroup members, Cichocka et al, 2021;Gronfeldt et al, 2022;Marchlewska et al, 2020).…”

“…Thus, the positive association between secure identity and support for collective action on behalf of the ingroup may be particularly pronounced among members of disadvantaged groups (see Cichocka et al, 2021).…”

“…In this article, we draw on a broader approach which differentiates between ingroup identification and collective narcissism—a belief in ingroup greatness that is contingent upon external recognition of one's group's worth (Golec de Zavala et al., 2009). Collective narcissism and ingroup identification can have distinct—and even opposing—impacts on intra‐ and intergroup processes (Cichocka, 2016; Cichocka et al., 2021). Distinguishing collective narcissism from ingroup identification might shed further light on the processes underlying support for reactionary and progressive movements and help reconcile past mixed results observed for advantaged and disadvantaged groups (Osborne et al., 2019).…”

Their own worst enemy? Collective narcissists are willing to conspire against their in‐group

“…We seek to examine whether the way people feel about their groups might also be associated with conspiratorial intentions. We argue that those high in collective narcissism -that is, those who tend to use their group for personal gains (Cichocka et al, 2021;Marchlewska et al, 2020) -might be willing to engage in conspiracies against other group members to achieve their own selfish goals. Below, we discuss past work on collective narcissism, highlighting its implications for conspiracy beliefs, followed by our theoretical rationale for why this form of in-group identity might also predict intentions to engage in conspiracies.…”

Who respects the will of the people? Support for democracy is linked to high secure national identity but low national narcissism

“…During the COVID‐19 pandemic, those high in national narcissism reported engaging in hoarding resources (Nowak et al., 2020). Evidence from the organizational context has also shown that collective narcissists try to benefit personally by treating their co‐workers in an instrumental way (Cichocka, Cislak, Cislak, Gronfeldt, & Wojcik, 2021). Crucially, those scoring high in collective narcissism were also ready to engage in non‐democratic practices and conspire against fellow group members.…”