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Selective perception theory – Meaning & Explanation

Selective perception theory serves as the basis for the effectiveness of placebos. It is based on the idea that humans will act based on the beliefs they have, even if the beliefs are false. This theory is an important part of Organizational Behavior.

Meaning of Selective Perception

Selective perception means in case any event happens or any instruction is given to a human or in the communication process the human mind will select and perceive only those things which is related to their need, background, interest, experience and other personal characteristics.

In short, Selective perception is picking and noticing things that fit your views and ignoring things that don’t.

In this, people only see or pay attention to things that match their existing beliefs or interests and ignore other things.

Explanation of the theory

The theory states that the human mind will receive or accept only that information that it feels that it is relevant. People tend to perceive what they expect to perceive.

Selective perception is one of the factors that create certain issues in an organization.

For example, In a crucial communication process in an organization if the employee perceives only selected information then the intended meaning of the communication is distorted and some other information will be perceived.

When some information is passed to the employees people will generally avoid new ideas if they are contrasting to their existing beliefs.

When a job instruction is given to an employee by the supervisor his attention towards that idea would depend on the perception of the employee towards the supervisor i.e. If he respects him, he will take the instruction as a top priority and follow it else he will be least bothered to that instruction.