Authority Bias in Safety
Authority bias is our tendency to be influenced by authority figures.
A 1960’s experiment had members of the public (volunteers) ask questions to people hidden behind a screen. Those answering the questions were played by actors. Under the guidance of authority figures, the volunteers administered an electric shock for every wrong answer. The actors would cry out in pain, and so far as the volunteers were concerned, the pain was real. Under instruction, the current was increased for every wrong answer, some exceeding a level that would be fatal.
I know a city centre restaurant where someone from head office arrived unannounced one weekend to monitor the sites performance. By Monday morning they had gained access to the safe and the takings. At no point did anyone challenge their authority, or check they were from head office.
Many will have experienced the frustration of having their work suggestion dismissed…. Only for later, a senior manager make the same suggestion and having it adopted.
If a group decision is to be made, the decision will usually reflect the opinions of the most senior manager in the room. Our tendency is to focus on the messenger rather than the message.
There are positive aspects to authority bias. During a global pandemic it helps that millions of people will follow the advice of authority figures.
Of course, some people will lean in the opposite direction and have a distrust of all authoritarian advice. This can result in conspiracy theories, particularly is someone with authority, an ‘expert’ encourages the distrust.
Most people would advocate a balance. For example, to follow professional advice, but where possible, to fact check and seek alternative opinions.
Which brings us to safety. Employees must follow safety policies and food safety management systems. Environmental health officers’ documented actions on inspection reports must be completed.
However, when EHO’s recommend soaking cloths (for wiping down surfaces) in a bleach solution, it’s reasonable to consider alternative methods. If EHO’s insist food must be cooled to below 8°C in 90 minutes you might question is this is feasible.
When a safety officer insists you wear a hard hat, they must be worn. Although on one course a delegate, who was ex forces told me that on manoeuvres they camouflaged vehicles with netting. During this task they were made to remove army helmets and replace with construction hard hats. Of course, I’ve no way of fact checking this.
I do recall one company who, for years had been using the wrong chemical to disinfect surfaces.
If an employee identifies such mistakes, it’s good they question rather than blindly follow. Unfortunately, whether these concerns are heard may depend on whether they’re an officer, senior manager, or perceived to be an expert.
(PS, I’m not an expert in any of the above, I’m just interested in the subject)
The original source of this material was an article in ‘thedecisionlab.com’
