management presentation1
TRANSCRIPT
Cognitive Dissonance
Applications of the psychology of Cognitive
Dissonance to Management
Leon Festinger• He was a psychologist who studied cults. • He and some of his associates managed to
infiltrate a cult.• They found themselves involved in a bizarre
ritual
The Cult in Prophecy This cult prophesied that the world would be
destroyed by a huge flood, but they would all be saved by aliens in a flying saucer
Cult in Crisis• When the prophesy was not fulfilled, some
members of the cult left; however, others not only stayed, but became even more devout.
• This split showed that when people’s beliefs and expectations were contradicted they could react in very different ways.
Definition of Cognitive Dissonance
• At times, we are given information that contradicts our attitudes or beliefs.
• Sometimes, we can find ourselves acting in a manner that is contrary to our attitude/belief
• This is an uncomfortable state of affairs.• People will engage in thoughts and behaviours
that will reduce or alleviate this state.• There are different ways of doing this.
Attributes of a Good Manager
• One of the most important attributes of a good manager is good, flexible thinking skills.
• It is important to adapt to new developments in a rapidly changing business environment.
How We Make Decisions• Solutions are usually
through the path of least resistance.
• We tend to be ‘creatures of habit’ and this includes decision making and thinking.
• Sometimes, we need to venture off the ‘beaten path’ in the forest.
World View• Our worldview is the
set of theories we have about the world and how it works.
• We build this up over our lifetimes and reinforce it whenever it works for us
Cognitive Dissonance• We experience cognitive
dissonance when we find ourselves in a situation that contradicts our worldview.
• Our first reaction is to seek out information that supports the positions we are used to taking about things.
Breaking Out• Cognitive dissonance
can be used to interrupt your usual thinking processes.
• When you experience it, enquire about other information that is available - but not used.
Seek Other Perspectives• Ask yourself about other possible solutions• Try to brainstorm --- look hard at new data• Communicate with others in your group
Better, Innovative Solutions• Cognitive dissonance can be used as a powerful
tool to improve decision making• By looking past cognitive dissonance instead of
trying to simply get rid of it, we can broaden our views and see the world differently