Intergroup alliance orientation among intermediate-status group members: The role of stability of social stratification

Abstract

Three studies have tested the hypothesis that intermediate-status groups are more oriented to ally with outgroups when their social position is under threat. In study 1, participants believed that their ingroup was intermediate in status and social stratification was manipulated as either stable or status-detrimental unstable. Results indicated that participants were more likely to seek alliances a) with a high-status group and b) when social stratification was status-detrimental unstable. Study 2 showed that participants were more likely to seek alliances with a lower status group when social stratification was status-detrimental unstable rather than stable, while they were supportive of policies helping disadvantaged groups regardless of the stability of social stratification. Study 3 showed that when social stratification was status-detrimental unstable, intermediate-status group members were more oriented to ally with a low-status group, equally supportive of policies helping disadvantaged groups, but less oriented to supplying direct help to a low-status group.

Exploring Critical Factors Affecting Contractors’ Coopetition Relationship in International Construction Projects

“…e alliances of contractors in the construction industry are based on mutual trust, which is the basis of cooperation between competitors. After the original competing contractors form a cooperative relationship or form a competitive alliance, the stability of the alliance directly determines the success or failure of the cooperation and whether or not the cooperation effect can be realized [64]. At the same time, the stable alliance is conducive to enhancing the cooperation confidence and mutual trust among international contractors, which in turn is conducive to the realization of the cooperation goal.…”