Brownnosing, bootlicking, apple polishing and sucking up are among many the synonyms for the term sycophancy. Psychologists also know it as ingratiation. In this episode we explore several types of ingratiation and learn that while true sycophancy requires talent, it may be intrinsic to our social behavior.

Show notes

Ingratiation - A social psychological analysis - Edward E. Jones (1964)
The Slime Effect: Suspicion and Dislike of Likeable Behavior Toward Superiors - Roos Vonk (1998)
Ingratiation and Gratuity: The Effect of Complimenting Customers on Tipping Behavior in Restaurants - John Seiter (2007)

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