Positive manipulation

Positive manipulation refers to the ethical influence and guidance that types of leaders can exert to inspire growth and creativity by others to the advantage of common goals. Manipulation, in a positive sense, or pro-social behavior, can be intended to help or benefit others.

Definition

Before a manipulative approach is used, an assessment should be made of personality characteristics and possible areas of vulnerability. Use of positive manipulation includes consideration of the needs of all involved, attention to personality characteristics, and careful selection of approaches. Positive manipulation takes place when manipulated, and sometimes manipulator, benefits from the use of manipulation, like a symbiotic relationship between animals.

Positive manipulation is a nuanced concept that diverges from the negative implications commonly associated with manipulation. It involves using influence and persuasion techniques to encourage individuals or teams to achieve goals that align with both personal and organizational interests. Unlike coercive manipulation, positive manipulation is grounded in empathy, transparency, and the shared pursuit of success. Positive manipulation represents a shift in perspective from manipulation as something covert and selfish to a transparent process of guiding others toward mutual benefit. [...] Despite its potential benefits, positive manipulation can be misused if not handled with care and integrity. There is a thin line between influence and coercion, and crossing that line can lead to mistrust and resentment. Successful positive manipulation requires self-awareness, ethical consideration, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

Manipulation

The term "manipulation" often carries a negative antisocial connotation, typically associated with psychopathic deceit or coercion. By definition, the word ‘manipulate’ — meaning simply “to handle or control in a skillful manner, or to control or influence a person or situation” — does not hold any inherently negative connotations. The two components of manipulation are:

• Persuasion, generally defined as "getting people to do things they want to do".
• Coercion, generally defined as "getting people to do things they don’t want to do".

Manipulation by state institutions and mass media is often described as "propaganda" (psychological warfare). Manipulation is also used by non-profit organisations and ethical companies to persuade people to act, thereby helping others in need and promoting positive change in the world. However, it is debatable whether this method can be classified as positive or negative, especially if it builds up feelings of guilt and then exploits them.

Quotes

• "Influencing behavior is a common method among humans as well as among animals. A method cannot be defined in terms of its potential for abuse. You cannot reject aviation technology with the argument that cities can be bombed with airplanes. A manipulation that is aimed at the benefit of the manipulated or benefits social solidarity is not only morally justified, but required [...]." – Gert Uwe Postel

• "Positive manipulation can accomplish a variety of tasks and come in many forms with results anywhere from increased work productivity, to improved health, and a better attitude all around. [...] Creating symbiosis among people through positive manipulation can have a good and bad consequence, that’s why it takes an intelligent person to recognize the opportunity, create a plan, and achieve it." – Garrison Farr, University of Kentucky

Further reading

• Denis Fahey: Money, Manipulation and Social Order, 1944
• Aleksandar Zivaljevic: Positive Manipulation Theory – A Base for Continuous Motivation, 2011 (Archive)
• Leon F. Seltzer (PhD): A New Take on Manipulation – Can you manipulate someone for their own good?, Psychology Today, 2013 (Archive)