Is Group-Directed Praise Always Welcome? Reactions to Ingroup and Outgroup Praise Depend on Linguistic Abstraction

Abstract

This research examined how recipients reacted to group-directed praise formulated by ingroup or outgroup members and varying in linguistic abstraction. Study 1 ( N = 81) showed that ingroup praise was perceived as more sincere when formulated in abstract (vs. concrete) terms, whereas outgroup praise formulated in abstract terms was seen as less sincere than concrete praise. In Study 2 ( N = 89), recipients of outgroup praise formulated in abstract versus concrete terms attributed more hidden agenda and prejudice to the speaker, and perceived lower congruency between the speaker’s words and beliefs; the opposite pattern occurred for ingroup praise. Perceptions of congruency and hidden agenda mediated the effects of speaker group membership and linguistic abstraction on recipients’ perception of the praising message. This research points out that linguistic abstraction influences the appraisal of group-directed praise as it works as a cue of speakers’ motives. It also suggests important implications for developing successful communications between groups.

Why do outsiders commend us? Reactions to group-based praise concerning morality or competence

“…Supporting evidence comes from Moscatelli and Rubini (2021), who varied the wording of group-directed praise. They exposed Italian participants to ingroup or outgroup praise formulated either in concrete (e.g., "Italians socialize easily") or abstract (e.g., "Italians are sociable") terms.…”

“…As mentioned, recipients are likely to see praise as less sincere if it appears too favorable and inconsistent with expectations about ingroup and outgroup members' behavior (Moscatelli & Rubini, 2021;Vázquez et al, 2018). Thus, we expected that praise concerning morality -the most valued characteristic of a group -would be considered less pleasant if delivered by an outgroup rather than an ingroup speaker (H1a).…”

“…Research showed that, in general terms, people appreciate positive feedback, even when it comes from outsiders (e.g., Hornsey & Imani, 2004). However, there is some evidence that individuals respond differently to praise coming from ingroup or outgroup speakers under specific conditions (e.g., depending on the level of linguistic abstraction of the praising message, Moscatelli & Rubini, 2021) and might attribute prejudice to outgroup members who praise them (Fiske et al, 2015;Garcia et al, 2006;Kunstman & Fitzpatrick, 2018).…”

Behavioral consequences of intergroup sensitivity

“…Group communication extends to intergroup jokes that may appear inappropriate, even if the same joke is accepted by a member of that group (Thai et al., 2019). Even group‐directed praise may be met with suspicion in intergroup settings (Moscatelli & Rubini, 2021). Finally, group interaction may materialize in hostile behavior (e.g., flag burning; Marinthe et al., 2020; Marinthe et al., 2021).…”

“…Group communication extends to intergroup jokes that may appear inappropriate, even if the same joke is accepted by a member of that group (Thai et al, 2019). Even group-directed praise may be met with suspicion in intergroup settings (Moscatelli & Rubini, 2021).…”