The term “alpha male” has typically been used in characterizing the behaviors of animals. As observed, in wild packs, there will develop a chain of dominance from the most powerful male to the “omega” or least powerful. Clearly the “alpha” gets preference in terms of mating and eating. So therefore survival and procreation are dependent on establishing “dominance.” The “alpha” must maintain his position and is constantly challenged by younger, even stronger, males. Eventually he is defeated and another “alpha” emerges. It is a “dog eat dog” world quite literally.

Humans however, at least I would like to think, are slightly more evolved than that. We have created social organizations, rules, laws, governments, and even religions to impart order on our society. One of the first uses of “alpha” to refer to human behavior was the term “alpha plusses” in Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Since then, it has been common in popular culture to refer to someone in a position of leadership as an “alpha.”

It has been a very long time since I studied this stuff in grad school but I believe that leadership and power in modern society depend as much on “social” or “situational” factors as they do on personal characteristics. In my own field, higher education, respect is gained primarily through knowledge. In order to do what I do, one must first demonstrate that they “know something” (it’s a piece of paper called a “doctorate”--whether or not it really means anything--who knows--there are clearly people here who are as educated and probably smarter than I am). Once accepted, the individual must then be able to show that they can “contribute” to further acquisition of knowledge (it’s called “research and publication”) and also that they can impart that knowledge to others (it’s called “teaching”). One also must be seen as a “good colleague” and part of a “community of scholars.” If you pass the test you get tenure and promotion (only then can you become a complete asshole--sorry I couldn’t resist). I have read some of the other posts on “respect” and “alpha” behavior here and I will have to say I have never encountered anything quite like it in my own life or career. I am quite sure that some of the “dominance” and “territorial” behavior described goes on--I just have been fortunate enough to have not seen it. We DO have the occasional fight over content areas or budgets but we don’t go around “in each others face.” We are much more subtle…

For myself, I never have thought in terms of whether or not *I* am an “alpha” male. After reading this thread, I started thinking about it… certainly I have many of the “traits.” I am tall (6’4” - or very close, you know you can't trust men to measure anything themselves), a former college football player (middle linebacker), still pretty fit at 39, have a strong speaking voice, and have assumed many positions of leadership from way back in high-school where I was our team’s defensive captain to more recently where I chaired my university’s technology committee for two years. When I get dressed up in a suit and tie (rarely--thank God), I probably look pretty scary. LOL! As for “fear,” I would never want to have my students or colleagues or friends or my lover “fear” me. In academia it would be counterproductive--we want to encourage free and open discussion and inquiry. Besides, whoever went around acting like too much like a “bully” or played too many “intimidation games” with other faculty or students would (forgive my “unacademic” choice of words) have their ass thrown out on the street. Forget tenure. Very early in my career (when I was like 23 or 24 and working on my Master's), there was a guy like that who acted like a "hard ass" and tried to intimidate (I personally think he was "scared shitless" of speaking in front of such a large group and was worried that the students wouldn't "respect" him... they didn't.) who they had hired to teach a couple of classes--he didn’t make it through the semester and I took over for him.

Do I command “respect” in my own personal and professional life? Well, so far I’d have to say “Yes.” I was granted tenure and am on track to be promoted to Full Professor next year. I am published and have even written a couple of books (gathering dust somewhere no doubt). I keep a blog that has a pretty wide readership--last summer I wrote about how the traffic after Michael Jackson’s death affected the Internet. A local TV station picked it up and CNN mentioned it (but not me by name). This semester at least, every Monday and Wednesday I have to command the attention and respect of approximately 150 18-20 year olds in my 8:00 lecture. As far as “respect” on the street--well I was born and raised in Detroit south of 8 mile. I think I could handle myself…

I didn’t intend to get back into this discussion or talk about myself so much (I’d much rather talk about Kelly Shore or music or things that go fast) but this thread and discussion of “respect” has taken on a personal twist. There has also been mention of "female" alpha types. Very interesting. I wanted to add that during my career, I have had several female “superiors” and have no issues with women in positions of power. I think if you were to ask most of us (in academia) about what determines “power” and “respect,” I think you would find that “knowledge,” “integrity,” “character,” “friendship,” and similar traits would be at the top of the list.

Finally, I’d like to share a couple of theories on leadership with you that might put the concept of a human "alpha male" in context. Homework if you will... Vroom proposed a “situational leadership” model where the leader is constrained entirely by events. There was also a Fiedler "contingency” model that I remember reading about somewhere that was similar. For what it's worth, I myself, rely on more of a “consensus” model. Blake also proposed a “managerial grid.” My Dad was an executive at GM in the 1960’s through the 80’s and probably used something like that. I’m sure his experience in “management” and “leadership” would be far different from mine! Through him I did an internship at GM. Corporate world: not for me!

Some very intriguing and even controversial issues have been raised in this thread. I do want to keep this discussion and all others on a friendly level. I have truly enjoyed being part of this forum as I have learned a great deal more about my own sexuality--as well as other things--I consider all of you friends and teachers in that I feel I have much to learn. Some of you who have shared your own experiences and challenges--you cannot imagine how much respect I have for you--and what you’ve taught me. One day, I may reveal where I teach and who I am. We have a LGBT organization on campus and I have thought about going there to talk to a counselor as I continue my own personal growth.

Take care...