[4] The two strategies are distinct pathways from each other but both equally viable routes to gain status in human social hierarchies.
[7] In humans, dominance is also associated with negative personality traits such as hubristic pride[8] less focus on others, and a reduction in prosocial behaviors.
It is associated with tactics that include freely sharing desirable traits, expertise, collaboration, and moral grandstanding in order to gain higher social status.
[6] Prestige based leadership is more stable and long term as it produces mutually beneficial outcomes for followers and the leader.
[13] The dual strategies theory explores how individuals navigate social hierarchies using two main approaches: dominance and prestige.
In contrast, those who seek prestige inspire respect and admiration, frequently by demonstrating valued skills, knowledge, or competencies.
[16] In modern Westernized societies that embrace monogamy, high-status men take advantage of their increased sexual access to women in the form of cheating, multiple short-term sex partners, or serial marriages.
[16] Gangs are predominately male social groups organized as hierarchies that consist of members defending territory or controlling resources, often for illegal purposes.
[17] The possibility of gaining sexual access to women may be a significant motivator for young men to join gangs.
[19] Dominant men display signs of possessing high-quality genes and thus potentially producing genetically healthy offspring, often resulting in women viewing them as being desirable for immediate sexual intercourse.
[19] Prestigious men are reliable long-term providers and romantic partners, but often lack signs of possessing high-quality genes and are thus often less desirable for immediate sexual intercourse.
Dominant leaders are more likely to attempt to stay close to group members that they see as potential threats to their power in order to monitor and control them.
In the face of external or out-group threat high dominance leaders stop prioritizing self interest over group goals and these behaviors cease.
[33] High social rank attained either through dominance or prestige is associated with distinct facial expressions, head positions and bodily expansion.
[34] Humans use voice changes to signal status relationships with deepening vocal pitch during peer interactions indicating higher social rank.
[35] In times of inter-group conflict or warfare there is often a preference for leaders with dominant, masculine looking faces with the reverse being the case during peacetime.
This pathway can be summed up leaders motivated to lead people and organizations out of a sense of wider responsibility[37] While distinct from dominance and prestige this leadership does share a similar desire for power with the dual strategies.