Evolution. We are led to believe that we have come a long way from the days of chimps, indeed scientists must believe we are so far advanced that it’s actually ok to test harmful potions and surgical procedures on them. Well, perhaps we’re not as far removed from our cheeky predecessors as we think. A study has shown that male managers are a bit like, well… chimps and monkeys. Significant behaviour (and please feel free here to either imagine your own boss, or a lovable but ridiculous character such as David Brent from The Office) includes: marking out their territory, asserting their authority and displaying their power. “How so?”, I hear you ask.
Do any of these ring any bells? Having a bigger chair than everyone else, speaking loudly, interrupting more frequently, jealously guarding their personal space and using management jargon and acronyms. The bit I love the best, from The Independent is: “In the same way that monkeys flaunt brightly coloured body parts, or peacocks their plumage, male managers often team a dark suit (denoting gravitas) with a pink shirt or vividly hued tie.” The aim in the wild is to attract a mate, but in the office it’s to assert a place in the hierarchy. Or so the study goes.
If you’re a male boss yourself, stop and think: that monkey strapped to a chair having electrodes planted into his brain that could be me.
Oh and I should be clear. PETA Europe’s boss is not like a chimp. I repeat, not like a chimp.
Image: Daily Mail / CC
