We all know that human beings follow trends. We copy the way people dress, walk, speak and behave. This is very pronounced in adolescence, when the need to be accepted is more intense. But to what extent this tendency to be equal affect us? Do you think human beings are capable of giving a wrong answer, even though the correct one, just to keep the other?

In the 50s of last century, Solomon Asch conducted a series of experiments that prove the human tendency to follow the opinion of others.

The experiment

He did the following: several people were placed in a room with the goal of making a vision test. Variations in the figure below were shown to the group, and after each one, ask yourself which of the lines (A, B or C) was equal to the left. The group was composed of nine people, eight of which were actors, ie after a few rounds giving the correct answer, they began to give the same incorrect answer. They were part of the game without the other person know. Half the time that the spoke and the other line was less than half the line was greater than that presented. The participant was always the sixth guinea pig to respond.

Lines Asch.

Oberservando the figure above, obviously realizes that the correct answer is C. You just answer wrong if under the influence of some hallucinogenic. Note that was not being asked to observe a complex drawing or situation to be interpreted.

The discovery

The results surprised even Solomon Asch:

• 50% of people gave the same answer, following the group, even though he was wrong.
• only 25% of people refused to give the wrong answers.
• in total, the compliance rate was 33%.

Asch people interviewed after the experiment. The reported feelings are very similar to those who already have you felt:

• all felt anxiety, fear of disapproval by others.
• most said they knew the correct line, but felt that the group was correct.
• some said they followed the group for not destoarem, even though the group was wrong.
• a few said it was seeing the line of the same size appointed by the group.

Being conformist or not: that is the question

This Shakespearean dilemma accompanies us every day. There are times to act as the group is a blessing in others a trap. Much of social life depends on this natural act, otherwise our lives would be impractical. Compliance is inherent to human beings and, like you should be aware of all their abilities and gifts, must be more aware of this too.

It's up to you to decide how to act. But, that is adequate, it is necessary to self-knowledge, self-study and self-observation. You might be thinking that is a non-conformist, to find other non-conformists and act the same way they do.

And for you who leads teams, it is important to know that their followers may be following what you say just to conform. It is important that you give voice to them. Maybe some of them do not have the answer that your company needs to make the turn?

Below is a contemporary example of the Asch experiment.

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