Status Quo Bias

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Description of Status Quo Bias. Explanation.

Definition Status Quo Bias. Description.

The Status Quo Bias is the human tendency to like things to stay relatively the same. The current situation is taken as the reference point, and any change from that baseline is perceived as a loss. Assumptions of longevity (long lasting), goodness as well as inertia (resistance to change) are said to be contributing factors to status quo bias.

Note we are dealing with a bias: an irrational preference for the current state of affairs. It is not the same as a rational preference for the state of affairs, such as is the case when the current situation is objectively better than the available alternatives.

Also we should separate SQB from a situation in which insufficient or incorrect information is the source of problems.

This type of cognitive bias in judgment and decision making is similar to anchoring and confirmation bias. In reality, it will often occur combined with other distortions in human thinking, such as loss aversion bias. 

SQB is particularly relevant for change managers, organizational development specialists, management consultants, strategists and project and program managers.

Status Quo Bias Forum   Quotes on Status Quo Bias. Quotations Hi, do you know of a remarkable, humorous quote by a famous person or a proverb related to the human tendency to like things to remain the same? Please enter a reaction to share it for other people to enjoy! Please use this template: Author Nam...         Begin a new topic

Status Quo Bias Special Interest Group Special Interest Group

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Resources - Status Quo Bias Premium Status Quo Bias - Cases and Examples Presentation about the so-called “Status Quo Bias” that leads to avoiding change and action. The presentation consists of multiple examples and c... Usage (application): Status Quo Bias, Change Management, Human Behavior     News Status Quo Bias         Videos Status Quo Bias         Presentations Status Quo Bias         More Status Quo Bias

Compare also: Appreciative Inquiry

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