What is Authority Bias – Definition & Examples in Recruitment

Author: Equalture - For the pioneers who are no longer willing to accept the flaws of CV-based hiring.

Length: • 2 mins

Annotated by Peter

Authority bias is a cognitive tendency observed in individuals who often blindly adhere to the guidance, suggestions, or instructions provided by figures in positions of authority.

In this short article, we will delve into the definition and implications of authority bias, examine real-life examples, and provide actionable strategies to overcome this bias, enabling more objective decision-making processes.

What is authority bias?

Authority bias refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute greater accuracy, credibility, or validity to the statements, actions, or decisions of authority figures or those perceived to possess expertise in a particular domain.

This bias can influence our judgments and decision-making, often leading to a disproportionate emphasis on the opinions of authority figures.

Authority bias definition and meaning

The definition of authority bias encompasses the psychological inclination to accept and value the views, information, or recommendations from authoritative sources, often without critically evaluating their validity or accuracy.

This bias arises from our inherent tendency to seek guidance and direction from individuals we perceive as knowledgeable or possessing a higher status.

Examples of authority bias in real life

Authority bias manifests in various aspects of life, shaping our attitudes and behaviours:

  • For instance, it can influence our opinions on political matters, where we might give more weight to the viewpoints of political leaders or prominent figures.
  • Similarly, authority bias can impact consumer decisions, as we tend to trust recommendations from renowned experts or influencers in specific industries.

Authority bias when hiring

Authority bias when hiring refers to the tendency of individuals in the recruitment process to assign greater importance and value to ideas or opinions expressed by individuals in positions of power or authority. This bias occurs when someone gives more weight to the input or recommendations of a higher-ranking authority figure, such as a manager or supervisor, compared to the opinions of their peers. Understanding and addressing authority bias is crucial to ensuring a fair and unbiased hiring process.

During the hiring process, authority bias can impact decision-making by influencing how feedback and recommendations are evaluated.

Example of authority bias when hiring

During a job interview, a panel consisting of a manager and two team members is evaluating candidates for a position. The manager, being in a position of authority, expresses their opinion first and strongly supports a particular candidate. The two team members, influenced by the manager’s authority, may feel compelled to align their opinions with the manager’s perspective, even if they had initially held different views.

As a result, the authority bias causes the candidate supported by the manager to receive more favorable consideration, potentially overshadowing alternative perspectives and potentially leads to an unfair hiring decision.

How to avoid authority bias?

To mitigate the impact of authority bias, it is essential to adopt strategies that promote fairness and objective evaluation. Here are some practical techniques to overcome authority bias:

  • Encourage open dialogue
  • Foster a culture of questioning and independent thinking,
  • Promote diversity of perspectives
  • Implementing structured decision-making processes that consider inputs from all stakeholders.