In the last blog, we
looked at internal and external attribution that we generally do. In today’s
blog, we look at some of the biases that could creep in – primarily 2 of them –
the Fundamental attribution error and Self serving bias. Let us begin with
defining the two.
looked at internal and external attribution that we generally do. In today’s
blog, we look at some of the biases that could creep in – primarily 2 of them –
the Fundamental attribution error and Self serving bias. Let us begin with
defining the two.
- Fundamental
Attribution Error refers to the tendency to make attributions to internal
causes when focusing on someone else’s behavior. - Self Serving Bias
refers to the tendency to attribute one’s own success to internal causes and
one’s failure to external causes.
To understand these,
let us look at a scenario where a manager is asked to cite the cause of the
company’s employee’s poor performance. The manager might claim that the
employee’s lack of effort or lack of ability were the causes for this poor performance.
This is an example of fundamental attribution error.
let us look at a scenario where a manager is asked to cite the cause of the
company’s employee’s poor performance. The manager might claim that the
employee’s lack of effort or lack of ability were the causes for this poor performance.
This is an example of fundamental attribution error.
If employees were
asked explain the cause of their own performance problems, they could possibly
blame it on the lack of support from the manager – this is an example of
self-serving bias.
asked explain the cause of their own performance problems, they could possibly
blame it on the lack of support from the manager – this is an example of
self-serving bias.
While the above
examples explain what attribution errors are, it is important to note that
attribution itself has a very close alignment with the culture of the place.
The way individuals interpret the events around them has a strong influence on
their behavior.
examples explain what attribution errors are, it is important to note that
attribution itself has a very close alignment with the culture of the place.
The way individuals interpret the events around them has a strong influence on
their behavior.
Leave a Reply