Rejecting Machiavelli: Proposing an Alternate Management Model that Promotes Prosocial Values

As the positive psychology movement continues to gain momentum, it is time we apply the research to urge businesses to rethink their current management practices. Current research suggests promoting prosocial values, instead of competition, can generate greater productivity, learning, creativity, and most importantly, mental and physical well being. However, convincing company leaders to reject Machiavelli and his insistence that the only way to succeed is through selfish acts will not be easy as such strategies are inculcated in the framework of the business world. Appreciative Inquiry is one method that has proven to be effective in stripping down a business and rebuilding it through the collaborative efforts of individuals at every level of an organization. Using Appreciative Inquiry to rewrite the definition of effective management and incentivize altruism and collaboration in the workplace will guide businesses to a higher level of success—one that benefits the company, the market and every individual in between.