Biases in Project Management

Abstract

The human mind is an effective and powerful tool. However, it is not without faults and has some limitations e.g., biases. In this article cognitive biases are examined, with most emphasis on optimism bias since it is a very important factor in project management. Cognitive Bias also includes other topics such as Gender Bias, Stereotyping and Information Bias. These factors are very important in a team setting and therefore fall under the realm of project management. It can be found in project management literature when team building is discussed e.g. in Guide to the Project Body of Knowledge where Interpersonal and Team Skills or Expert Skills are mentioned. --> Project managers have a tendency to overestimate benefits and underestimate cost i.e., be too optimistic. This concept/notion is known as “Optimism Bias” and is widely accepted as a key reason for overruns in projects. (Leleur et. al., 2015) Being aware of these biases is crucial for all project managers in order to be able to offset them. By acknowledging biases and applying appropriate measures, it is possible to counter the effects. In this article these biases related to Project Management are examined in more detail. How these biases can be seen in project management and measures to counter them are presented. Finally, some limitations are considered and topics for further reading recommended.

The human mind is an effective and powerful tool. However, it is not faultless and has some limitations. These limitations include many different types of biases. Being aware of these limitations is crucial for all project managers. By acknowledging biases and applying appropriate measures, it is possible to counter the effects.

The definition of bias in the Oxford dictionary is split in four meanings, two of whom are relevant in project management and will be addressed in this article:

1. “a strong feeling in favour of or against one group of people, or one side in an argument, often not based on fair judgement.”
2. “the fact that the results of research or an experiment are not accurate because a particular factor has not been considered when collecting the information.”

The first definition is tied to people and communications between either team members or stakeholders and is called cognitive bias. The latter can be related to uncertainty and risk management which is more connected to optimism bias.

In Progress

In this article the different types of biases related to Project Management are examined in more detail. Measures to counter them are presented and finally limitations considered.

The Big Idea

Cognitive Bias

In Progress

Optimism Bias

In Progress

References

https://app.knovel.com/hotlink/toc/id:kpGPMBKP02/guide-project-management/guide-project-management https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/bias_1?q=bias