Bad work environment? Someone’s gotta speak up, but who?
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
People are less likely to intervene in inappropriate situations when in large groups. This bystander effect is caused by social pressures felt when others evaluate us.
But those with the developmental condition Autism have different cognitive responses to social cues. Can employees with autism overcome the bystander effect?
Enter Lorne Hartman and team at York University. They surveyed almost seventy employees ON and OFF the autism spectrum.
These surveys described scenarios of organizational dysfunction, unethical behaviors, or inefficient operations. Participants rated their likelihood to intervene and whether the presence of witnesses influenced their decision.
Results? Employees with autism were MORE LIKELY to self-report that they would intervene in workplace dysfunction! Compared to neurotypical counterparts, they also reported less influence from the presence of more bystanders! This research highlights benefits that neurodiversity may bring to improve responsible workplace organization.
Bye bye, bystander effect!
Reference: Hartman, E.A. et al. Organizational benefits of neurodiversity: Preliminary findings on autism and the bystander effect. Autism Researcher 16, 1989 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.3012