Open AccessDIFFUSION OF RESPONSIBILITY AND LEVEL OF RISK TAKING IN GROUPS 1
Author(s) -
Wallach Michael A.,
Kogan Nathan,
Bem Daryl J.
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
ets research bulletin series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2333-8504
pISSN - 0424-6144
DOI - 10.1002/j.2333-8504.1963.tb00956.x
Subject(s) - mechanism (biology) , diffusion , psychology , work (physics) , social psychology , actuarial science , positive economics , economics , epistemology , philosophy , engineering , mechanical engineering , physics , thermodynamics
This study reports evidence supporting the following propositions: (1) Group discussion and consensus concerning decisions that involve actual risk ana payoffs lead to greater risk taking than occurs in the absence of such discussion and consensus. (2) The mechanism that underlies this group‐induced shift toward greater risk taking consists of a diffusion or spreading of responsibility. Using risks and payoffs based on monetary gain and loss for problem‐solving performance, the above propositions received strong confirmation for male college subjects. The results of various experimental manipulations provided positive support for viewing diffusion of responsibility as the causal factor at work.