Question
Recall an experience at work when your perceptions (or someone else’s perceptions) were later found to be distorted. The following factors distort our perceptions:
a. Stereotypes – Assign attributes to a group of people
b. Halo effect – Uses one attribute to develop an overall impression of a person or situation
c. Selective perception – Defines problems from one’s own point of view
d. Projection – Assigns personal attributes to others
e. Contrast effects – Derive meaning by contrasting it to another recent occurrence
f. Self-fulfilling prophecies – Predetermining a situation based on individual experiences
With your recalled experience in mind, and given what you’ve learned about differences and perceptions this week, compose a response that addresses the following points:
- Which one of the listed distortion factors most contributed to your situation?
- What could you have done differently?
Sample paper
Diversity and Perceptions
I have witnessed a situation at work where the manager’s perceptions were found to be distorted. The manager needed to pick a team leader for a certain project. There was only one person, Mark (not the real name), available to lead the project since other employees had various commitments. Unfortunately, the manager did not have trust that Mark could deliver as the project team leader. Due to lack of another suitable choice, the manager still made Mark the project team leader. Mark was willing to take the role as the project team leader. However, the manager seemed nervous that he had assigned the task to Mark. During the daily meetings where Mark gave a report on his progress, the manager asked numerous questions concerning the project. For instance, he wanted to know why somethings had not been done yet Mark had already made provisions for a later date. Mark became edgy in conducting the project, and the manager reinforced his beliefs that Mark was the wrong choice for the project.
The distortion factor that most contributed to the situation above is self-fulfilling prophecies. Self-fulfilling prophecies arise when an individual predetermines a situation based on his/her personal experiences. Self-fulfilling prophecies begin when the individual involved makes assumptions about a particular situation. People often create opinions about the self and others. These opinions form the basis of their expectations and significantly influence the outcomes of one’s or other people’s actions. The manager could have done things differently by not projecting the self-fulfilling prophecy to Mark. The manager could have allowed Mark to complete the work and then judge him by his performance or achievement of the project goals.
Reference
Jussim, L. J. (2012). Social perception and social reality: Why accuracy dominates bias and self- fulfilling prophesy. New York: Oxford University Press.
Related:
Diversity and Perceptions-leadership and organizational behavior class
