The Fundamental Attribution Error

Metadata

• Author: Tom Geraghty

• Full Title: The Fundamental Attribution Error

• Category: #articles

• Summary: The Fundamental Attribution Error is a common bias where we blame people's behavior on their character instead of considering the situational factors influencing them. This error can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, as we often fail to apply the same understanding to our own actions. To mitigate this bias, it's important to practice empathy and recognize the context behind others' behaviors.

• Document Tags: #psychological-safety

• URL: https://psychsafety.co.uk/the-fundamental-attribution-error/

Highlights

• We assume that people do bad things because they’re bad people. And interestingly, research suggests it doesn’t apply the other way around: if we witness someone doing something good, we don’t immediately assume that they’re a fundamentally good person. (View Highlight)
• Interestingly, there is some research to suggest that people from individualistic (most Western) cultures are reportedly more prone to the error, while people from collectivistic cultures (such as China, India and Japan) are less prone. (View Highlight)
• One of the core principles of Human and Organisational Performance is “context drives behaviour”, and therefore the Fundamental Attribution Error is one of the biases that this principle addresses. (View Highlight)