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Abstract

The effect of an individual's social status upon behavior in group setting i.e., the status generalization phenomenon-is a recurrent theme in socialpsychological and sociological studies. The present study examines the effect of status (of national status) upon delegate behavior in an international organization, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. It concludes that: (1) delegates from high status nations tend to be more influential and active than delegates from low status nations; (2) high national status per se is not sufficient to generate delegate influence; to be influential, delegates need to be active; (3) of three national status indicators-diplomatic status, size of delegation, and budgetary contribution-the latter one is the most important; and (4) a high frequency of participation is sufficient to generate influence.

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Effect of National Status on Delegate Participation and Influence in an International Organization

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