I'm having difficult finding the studies, but here's a research paper on the subject that includes a lot of evidence on the matter: "The evolution of prestige:

I'm having difficult finding the studies, but here's a research paper on the subject that includes a lot of evidence on the matter: "The evolution of prestige: Freely conferred deference as a mechanism for enhancing the benefits of cultural transmission"[1]. Once you're literate in power dynamics, you'll see evidence everywhere. > I see a lot of people take glee in punishing other people The fact that prestige is more effective than force, doesn't mean that force isn't effective. Imagine someone who's completely undeserving of any prestige-based status, yet has the means to control a business. Prestige-based status is unavailable to them, so they will use force, and eventually, the only employees that stick around are those that accepts such uses of force. (Imagine a toxic work environment) Silicon Valley on the other hand (or engineers) are in high demand, and thus have no need to endure use of force (abuse) because there are those that will employ them that are deserving of prestige. [1] http://www.hirhome.com/academic/hen&gil.pdf http://www.hirhome.com/academic/hen&gil.pdf