The Science of Helping Others: Insights from Dr. Zoe Kinias

Dr. Zoe Kinias, Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour and Sustainability and John F. Wood Chair for Innovation in Business Education at Ivey Business School, Western University, shares thought-provoking insights from her research, “Receiving Social Support Motivates Long-Term Prosocial Behavior.” Prosocial behavior actions that benefit others is vital for a healthy society. While most research focuses on short-term effects, little is known about what drives long-term prosocial behavior. Drawing on attachment theory, we propose that receiving social support fosters prosocial behavior over time by enhancing felt security a sense of being safe, cared for, and loved. Across four studies using international alumni, U.S. adults, retrospective surveys, and experimental manipulations, we find consistent evidence that receiving social support increases long-term prosocial behavior, both in the environment where support is received and beyond. These results highlight felt security as a key mechanism linking social support to sustained prosociality. This podcast is brought to you by Global Management Consultancy. For more information, please visit www.globalmanagementconsultancy.com. Disclaimer: A. The background music used in this video is the property of its respective developer and is protected by Copyright. Although it is a free version, Business Talk, Global Management Consultancy and Deepak Bhatt do not hold the rights to this music. B. Dr. Zoe Kinias has generously shared profound insights from her research, “Receiving Social Support Motivates Long-Term Prosocial Behavior,” during her appearance on the Business Talk podcast channel. The uploaded video contains copyrighted material; therefore, any modifications to graphics, music, or the presence of the author or host are strictly prohibited.