Building productive teams
The bystander effect
The bystander effect
Key Takeaways:
The Bystander Effect shows that people are less likely to help a someone in a crowd, often due to the diffusion of responsibility.
The diffusion of responsibility means individuals feel less compelled to act in a crowd, assuming someone else will step in. The larger the group, the less likely any single person will help, highlighting a paradox of safety in numbers.
Bystanders may not even notice someone in distress, as they are preoccupied with their own activities. People often follow the behaviour of those around them, which can lead to collective inaction in emergencies.
The Ripple Effect: When one person acts, it can encourage others to join in, showcasing the power of individual intervention. Observing someone in distress without intervening can lead to feelings of guilt and moral conflict in onlookers.
Sources
Cool Psychologist (2009). The bystander effect. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSsPfbup0ac
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