Smithesh Pankaj

Conformity Bias is the likelihood of change in opinion or behavior to blend in with the group. It can have a number of effects on decision making in project management:
There can be both positive and negative effects of conformity on decision making in project management, the negative effects outweigh the positive effects:
Positive effects:
·        Since the thinking of the team is aligned, it strengthens the unity and collaboration within the team.
·        Quick decisions can be made as there is agreement on decisions.
·        Helps in reduction of internal conflicts in the team/group.
·        Since there is agreement, it ensures compliance of the agreed process without deviation.
Negative Effects:
·        The team members are hesitant to share ideas and that could lead to reduction in innovation.
·        Conformity could lead to some of the critical risks to be left unnoticed.
·        Erroneous decision making, as the decisions might be basis majority in opinion.
·        Teams might settle for safe decision, rather than an ideal one.
·        Might disregard the requirement of the smaller group, as majority is considered.
 
How can project managers mitigate these to ensure more independent and effective choices?
·        The project managers should make the team comfortable, so that the team can voice their unbiased opinions.
·        Anonymous feedback should be taken to get a view of the concerns in the team.
·        Should segregate the team in smaller groups, which is appropriate for open discussions and debate.
·        People from different departments, external stakeholders etc. should be included in the discussion to get a diverse viewpoint.