When was the last time you sought someone’s advice? Perhaps you were navigating a tricky situation at work, searching for jobs, or making an important purchase. In these situations, we often focus on gathering all of the information we can in order to make the best choice. That’s why we may turn to a few or many people for different opinions. Research, after all, has shown that leveraging the “wisdom of crowds” can lead to more accurate decisions. But could turning to multiple people ever backfire? Our recent research published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes suggests it may.
How Asking Multiple People for Advice Can Backfire
Advisors don’t like when their advice is disregarded.
May 10, 2019
Summary.
When we seek advice, we often focus on gathering all of the information we can in order to make the right decision. That’s why we may turn to a few or many people for different opinions. Research, after all, has shown that leveraging the “wisdom of crowds” can lead to more accurate decisions. But could turning to multiple people backfire? Recent research suggests it may. In addition to considering, “Who will provide the most information?” advice seekers may want to ask themselves “How will this advisor react if I don’t take his or her advice?”
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