Understanding Self-Serving Bias: Implications for Decision-Making and Behavior

Introduction

Self-serving bias is a cognitive phenomenon that affects how individuals interpret information about themselves and others, significantly impacting decision-making and behavior. This report aims to explore the concept of self-serving bias, its psychological underpinnings, and its implications for various aspects of human behavior, including interpersonal relationships, performance evaluation, and organizational dynamics. By examining existing literature and empirical evidence, this paper will elucidate how self-serving bias may lead to irrational decision-making, hinder personal growth, and influence social interactions, ultimately shaping both individual and collective outcomes.

Self-Serving Bias: Definition and Mechanisms

Self-serving bias refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute their successes to internal factors, such as personal ability or effort, while attributing failures to external factors, such as situational constraints or other people’s actions. This cognitive bias serves to enhance self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image, allowing individuals to navigate challenges without debilitating self-doubt. Research by Miller and Ross (1975) established that people are more likely to take credit for p