Social Comparison Bias

We hire, promote, and support people who are less threatening to our status — even when choosing the more talented competitor would serve us far better.

• Managers unconsciously hire slightly less qualified candidates to avoid the threat of being outshone by their own direct reports.
• Academic scientists are more likely to oppose papers from direct competitors, even when the work is strong.
• A king surrounds himself with agreeable, mediocre courtiers rather than brilliant advisors who might challenge his judgment — and the kingdom suffers.