Collaboration and consensus are qualities of a well-functioning workplace, but “going along with the group” can sometimes prevent us from critically thinking for ourselves. It could even lead us to decisions, behaviors, or business practices that are morally questionable, illegal, or unfair – particularly toward people outside our immediate social group. Conformity bias is the idea that people tend to behave like those around them – for better or worse.
As you watch this 2-minute video on “conformity bias,” think about a time when you might have been affected by conformity bias. What actions could you take next time to ensure your decisions are well-informed?
Here are some ideas on how to avoid this tendency to simply “follow the herd” and instead use our own independent ethical judgment:
- Encourage various perspectives: Actively seek out input from colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. In group projects or committees, make efforts to ensure different perspectives are heard.
- Promote constructive debate: Create an environment where productive debates and discussions are encouraged and critical thinking is appreciated and rewarded. Give different people the chance to speak first when answering a question.
- Personal reflection: Being aware of our own personal bias toward conformity can lead us to make better, more thoughtful decisions. Taking time to think about our own core values and beliefs can help guide us as well.
We encourage personal learning about these topics and want to help you make them a regular part of your conversations. There are free classes in UTLearn, as well as additional videos about business ethics on LinkedIn Learning and through Ethics Unwrapped.
As members of the UT community, we are all expected to uphold our University’s core values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community. If you are facing a dilemma, consider talking about it with a friend, a supervisor or manager, the Ombuds Office, your local HR representative, or consult with us at University Risk and Compliance Services. Others may be able to help you see something you are missing.
If you think someone is behaving unethically or illegally, contact the Compliance and Ethics Hotline online or by phone at 877-507-7321 (English) and 800-216-1288 (Español). Anonymous reporting is available. Remember that UT Austin prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.