Bystander Effects

Abstract

AbstractThe lesson from research on the bystander effect is that the more people who are present when a verbal intervention is required to change the course of events in a positive way, the less likely it is that anyone will speak up. Although exceptions occur, where a high number of bystanders can increase the likelihood of intervention, the main pattern relevant for building a communication climate is that people tend to hesitate to break out of a passive group. The two main reasons for the bystander effect are diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance. Knowledge about these psychological phenomena can inform efforts to establish and maintain a well-functioning communication climate.