Sorry, Not Sorry: The Effect of Social Power on Transgressors' Apology and Nonapology

The current research investigated the role of transgressors' social power on their motivation to apologize or not. Based on power approach theory (Keltner et al., 2003), we predicted that high-power transgressors would be less motivated to apologize and more motivated to engage in nonapology (e.g., shifting blame, minimizing the transgression) than their low-power counterparts. We further predicted that the relation between social power and apology and nonapology would be explained by transgressors' self-other focus. Four multimethod (nonexperimental, experimental), multisample (community, undergraduate) studies supported our predictions. Results are discussed within the context of the extant social motivation literature and applied implications. Public Significance Statement The current research explores how individuals' social power influences their willingness to engage in apologies and nonapologies (e.g., making excuses). We demonstrate high-power transgressors are more willing to engage in nonapology and less willing to engage in apology. Conversely, those with low power are more willing to engage in apology and less willing to engage in nonapology. However, high-power transgressors who take an other-focus become the most apologetic. Applied implications of this research include interventions to affect social power, self-other focus, and conciliatory behavior.