What is seniority bias?

Seniority bias refers to the tendency to agree with or defer to individuals in positions of higher authority, regardless of the validity of their input. This bias can lead to situations where decisions are made based solely on the rank or experience of the individual giving the advice, rather than on evidence or sound reasoning.

In many organizational cultures, the opinions of senior leaders or more experienced colleagues may be accepted without thorough scrutiny, which can stifle innovative ideas and discourage critical thinking among junior staff. This dynamic can hinder effective collaboration and decision-making, as it prioritizes hierarchy over merit.

While taking advice from experienced individuals might seem prudent, it is possible to do so without falling into seniority bias, as long as one also considers a range of perspectives and evaluates the advice critically. The other options, such as questioning decisions made by superiors or having a bias toward younger opinions, do not encapsulate the core of seniority bias, which specifically involves an uncritical acceptance of authority.