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Group Attribution Error

 

Explanations > Theories > Group Attribution Error

Description | Example | So What? | See also | References 

 

Description

Groups tend to behave in many ways like individuals, making decisions in similar ways. However, the rules for group decisions are not necessarily the same as for the individuals within the group.

The group attribution error occurs where it is assumed that individuals in the group agree with the decisions of the group. When people make decisions in groups they often follow group rules and are influenced by the social dynamic within the group at the time, thus downplaying their own real preferences.

Attribution often tends to be done at group level, whether in-group or out-group, assuming that those within an identified group think in the same way. This helps us talk about 'them' as a coherent concept, but falsely assuming that people within the group are more similar than they actually are.

Example

Business meetings are a minefield of bias and false attribution, often with decisions forced by individual members. Yet the whole team may well be seen as owning the decision, including by themselves and by others.

So what?

Using it

Just because a team has made a decision, don't assume that everyone agrees. You can change decisions by approaching individuals.

Defending

When in a group, you don't have to buy into decisions made. Also beware of others assuming that you agree with decisions the group makes.

See also

Attribution Theory, Fundamental Attribution Error, Groupthink, Self-Serving Bias, Stereotypes

References

Allison and Messick (1985), Hewstone (1989)

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Site Menu

| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings |

Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories |

Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help |

More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes |

Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate |

 

 

Please help and share:

 

Quick links

Disciplines

* Argument
* Brand management
* Change Management
* Coaching
* Communication
* Counseling
* Game Design
* Human Resources
* Job-finding
* Leadership
* Marketing
* Politics
* Propaganda
* Rhetoric
* Negotiation
* Psychoanalysis
* Sales
* Sociology
* Storytelling
* Teaching
* Warfare
* Workplace design

Techniques

* Assertiveness
* Body language
* Change techniques
* Closing techniques
* Conversation
* Confidence tricks
* Conversion
* Creative techniques
* General techniques
* Happiness
* Hypnotism
* Interrogation
* Language
* Listening
* Negotiation tactics
* Objection handling
* Propaganda
* Problem-solving
* Public speaking
* Questioning
* Using repetition
* Resisting persuasion
* Self-development
* Sequential requests
* Storytelling
* Stress Management
* Tipping
* Using humor
* Willpower

Principles

+ Principles

Explanations

* Behaviors
* Beliefs
* Brain stuff
* Conditioning
* Coping Mechanisms
* Critical Theory
* Culture
* Decisions
* Emotions
* Evolution
* Gender
* Games
* Groups
* Habit
* Identity
* Learning
* Meaning
* Memory
* Motivation
* Models
* Needs
* Personality
* Power
* Preferences
* Research
* Relationships
* SIFT Model
* Social Research
* Stress
* Trust
* Values

Theories

* Alphabetic list
* Theory types

And

About
Guest Articles
Blog!
Books
Changes
Contact
Guestbook
Quotes
Students
Webmasters

 

| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links |

© Changing Works 2002-
Massive Content — Maximum Speed