Baboon Theory

If someone told you that you could learn something from a baboon and apply it to your performance at work, you would probably dismiss the idea immediately. If you do not dismiss the idea and you have already learned from a baboon then this article is not for you.

For any workplace, the proportion of staff who think that their workplace is a stressful environment is surprisingly large. Stress in the workplace is a very common phenomenon. What is uncommon is an understanding of the triggers and possible mitigation measures. It is important to remember that the stress itself is a response to a trigger. The triggers are the usual suspects: poor relationships at work (e.g., conflicts with colleagues), management style in the organisation (e.g., poor recognition for achievements), misalignment of task design and staff (e.g., unsuitable hours of work, misalignment of skills etc), career development (e.g., poor job satisfaction, gross variance in promotion prospects etc) and workplace conditions (e.g., exposure to poor physical environments).

Let us acknowledge the draining effects of stress on productivity; low levels of stress do not provide enough motivation for people. As the levels of stress increase, the motivation to be more productive increases but only up to a point; beyond that point, increasing levels of stress do not generate more productivity and in fact contribute to increased physiological and behavioural harm.

Let us link baboons and humans

Humans and primates suffer probably the most stress-related ailments of the animal kingdom. This is because they are highly intelligent, social creatures with relatively more free time to spare. Baboons are extremely social animals that live within a strict hierarchy, with dominant males at the top. Dominant individuals enjoy reproductive and health advantages (especially access to food). Interestingly, however, these top baboons enjoy the advantages at a significant physiological cost. The lessons that we can learn from these primates are incredibly insightful, especially in light of these pandemic-induced stressful times. Essentially, humans and baboons are both social creatures with high levels of intelligence, a relatively easy ability to ward off enemies and comparatively high levels of “free time” compared to other animals.

The stress response in baboons

Let us now consider how baboons handle stressful situations.

Perhaps the most famous studies of stress in baboon societies were conducted by Stanford physiologist Robert Sapolsky who studied the lives of baboons over a period of 20 years and was able to establish a link between their behaviour and their health. He was immediately fascinated by the prevalence of Type A personalities as manifested in Alpha males (Type A personalities being characterised by their ambition, competitiveness, aggressiveness and quest for status).

Baboon societies are characterised by a complex male-dominated hierarchy. They lead such a stressful existence within this social structure that leaders generally have short tenure. Males dominate the troop and amongst males, dominance is generally established by seniority and size. High ranking males are able to fraternise with females more successfully than lower ranking males, which is a visible indicator of rank within the troop.

Sapolsky’s studies confirmed that baboons suffer stress-related ailments that many other social mammals (e.g., coyotes, gazelles) simply do not experience. The reason for these contrasting mammalian experiences is that like other social mammals, baboons release stress hormones like adrenaline to cope with immediate and stressful situations (“clear and present” dangers) such as escape from hostile situations like predators or skirmishes over territorial or sexual claims. Such hormones increase their heart rate and energy to enable more effective responses. Unlike other social mammals, however, baboons also exhibit elevated stress over more long-term conditions such as psychological stress. In fact, Sapolsky has this to say about observations of baboon stress-induced ailments:

“Baboon societies are ironically a lot like Westernized humans. We’re ecologically privileged enough that we can invent social and psychological stress. Baboons in the Serengeti, who only work three hours a day to meet their caloric needs, are similarly privileged. They ulcerate because of social complexities.” (Sapolsky, 2001).

The constant production of such hormones over a prolonged time leaves a harmful effect on their bodies. Unhealthy baboons are identical to unhealthy humans in their resting levels release of stress hormones. Alpha males and low-ranking baboons are the most stressed members of the troop.

What has become clearer in recent years is the significant impact of social isolation on stress-induced physiological breakdowns. For both humans and baboons, the key mitigant to stress-related physiological breakdowns is social integration.

So…that lesson from baboons

We can learn a lot about interpersonal interactions in the workplace from our primate cousins. Of particular value is the relationship of employees with bosses, often the greatest source of stress in the workplace and the most quoted reason for workplace departures.

It is only in recent times stress as a risk factor to chronic diseases (particularly coronary disease) is being appreciated next to other commonly accepted risk factors such as poor nutrition and tobacco inhalation. At the forefront of this exposure is the Type A character. That troublesome character to whom you submit in the workplace could be one of the most vulnerable members of society!

Humans share some of the stress-related vulnerabilities of baboons. Sapolsky suggests that gastrointestinal function, sleep, sex drive and blood pressure are particularly susceptible to stress-related disruptions. For instance, after a stressful event the blood pressure will rise for a few seconds. But those few seconds are sufficient to leave a physiological imprint, especially on Type A characters who are more keenly attuned to sense the stressors around them (Article: “We can all relate to stressed-out baboons”).

We can learn from the behaviour of baboons during stressful times. During such times, baboons will glance repeatedly towards the Alpha male, searching for social cues.  We also know that baboons will glance towards the Alpha male two or three times per minute during calm times (Article: Beware the baboon boss). The Alpha on the other hand is not bothered about assuaging the anxieties of the troop. Humans display a similar pattern in their behaviour. Humans study their bosses’ behaviour much more than bosses study their subordinates – bosses are more heedless of their subordinates to such an extent that many a boss has been perceived as cold-hearted during hard times.

So what exactly is the learning? Managers and leaders need to be more cognizant of the tacit examination they are undergoing within the organisation from their subordinates, particularly during hard times when subordinates are searching for advance clues about potential organisational issues.

We all know that boisterous boss character in the office. Next time he or she obliges their narcissism at your expense, you can placate yourself by appreciating the underlying physiological stresses that they are probably experiencing. More positive and assuring body language from this type of boss is likely to induce reduced levels of stress within the team.