The good, the bad, and the ugly of perspective taking in groups
By: Eugene M. Caruso, Nicholas Epley, Max H. Bazerman
Contributors: Epley, Nicholas; Bazerman, Max H.; Harvard Business School. Division of Research
Series: Working paper / Division of Research, Harvard Business School -- 05-036; Working paper (Harvard Business School. Division of Research) -- 05-036
Publisher: Division of Research, Harvard Business School
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 39
Description: Group members often reason egocentrically, both when allocating responsibility for collective endeavors and when assessing the fairness of group outcomes. These self-centered judgments are reduced when participants consider their other group members individually or actively adopt their perspectives. However, reducing an egocentric focus through perspective taking may also invoke cynical theories about how others will behave, particularly in competitive contexts. Expecting more selfish behavior from other group members may result in more self-interested behavior from the perspective taker themselves. This suggests that one common approach to conflict resolution between and within groups can have unfortunate consequences on actual behavior.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.