Combating Cognitive Biases in Problem Solving: How to Spot and Stop Authority Bias

In today’s fast-paced professional environments, decisions often need to be made quickly — but not at the expense of critical thinking. One of the most common (and sneaky) barriers to good decision-making is something many of us fall into without even realising it: Authority Bias.

At Industry Partners Australia, we help our members sharpen their skills for better business outcomes. If you’ve ever second-guessed your instincts because “the boss said so” or seen a project take a wrong turn because no one wanted to challenge the expert in the room — this blog is for you.

Let’s break down what Authority Bias is, how it shows up in professional settings, and how to guard against it with better problem-solving strategies.

What Is Authority Bias?

Authority Bias is the tendency to give more weight to the opinions or decisions of an authority figure — regardless of the quality of their reasoning. It’s a cognitive shortcut our brains take: if someone is in charge, they must know best, right?

Not always.

This bias can lead us to:

• • Agree with decisions without proper scrutiny

  • Silence our own doubts or perspectives

  • Overlook better ideas because they come from lower-status voices

  • Fail to question flawed assumptions

In a team setting, this bias can stifle innovation, limit collaboration, and — in the worst cases — lead to costly mistakes.

Authority Bias in Action: Real-World Examples

🚧 On the Job Site

A site manager insists on using a specific material because they’ve always done it that way. The newer project engineer, although aware of a better and safer alternative, stays silent. The project proceeds as planned, but ends up over budget due to material inefficiencies.

💻 In the Office

A senior executive promotes a new software rollout. The IT team knows the software has compatibility issues with existing systems, but no one wants to challenge the decision. The result? A rollout riddled with issues, costing time and money.

🩺 In Healthcare

A senior doctor prescribes a treatment plan. Junior staff, despite noticing early warning signs of side effects, hesitate to raise concerns. The patient’s condition worsens.

In each of these examples, the presence of an authority figure suppresses the team’s ability to think critically and speak up — not because they lack insight, but because they defer to perceived expertise.

Additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer from digital designs, offering greater flexibility and efficiency than traditional manufacturing methods. This technology has matured significantly, enabling the production of complex, high-performance components with minimal waste.

Why Do We Fall for Authority Bias?

Humans are wired to respect authority — it’s part of how we’re socialised and how organisations are structured. There’s comfort in following someone who “knows what they’re doing.” But our brains don’t always distinguish between legitimate expertise and unquestioned status.

We also face subtle pressures, like:

• • Fear of being wrong

  • Fear of conflict or backlash

  • Desire to please or impress authority figures

  • Assumption that someone more senior has more knowledge

While respecting authority is important, blindly following it can come at a cost — especially in industries where decisions carry real-world consequences.

How Authority Bias Impacts Problem Solving

Problem solving requires open, objective thinking. It relies on asking the right questions, considering diverse perspectives, and challenging assumptions. When authority bias creeps in, it short-circuits that process.

Here's what it looks like:

5 Ways to Challenge Authority Bias (Without Creating Conflict)

1. Ask questions instead of disagreeing outright

   Instead of saying, “I think you’re wrong,” try:

   “Have we considered how this might impact the budget in the long term?”

2. Encourage a culture of challenge

   Leaders can set the tone by inviting input:

   “I’d like to hear different perspectives before we make a call.”

3. Use data and evidence

   Facts help remove emotion from the conversation. Presenting research, case studies, or performance metrics can shift focus from who said it to what’s being said.

4. Invite multiple viewpoints

   Actively seek input from different levels of experience and background. Sometimes the most valuable insight comes from someone furthest from the issue.

5. Take part in training that sharpens your thinking

   Courses like Critical Thinking for Problem Solving are designed to help professionals recognise cognitive biases like authority bias — and give you the tools to overcome them with confidence.

Our Training Solution: Critical Thinking for Problem Solving

If you're serious about improving your decision-making and team dynamics, our Critical Thinking for Problem Solving course is the place to start.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• • How to spot common thinking traps like Authority Bias

  • How to approach problems methodically and creatively

  • How to create a culture of critical thinking in your workplace

  • Practical frameworks for decision-making and evaluating options

🔗 Learn more and enrol here: industrypartners.com.au/critical-thinking-for-problem-solving

This course is ideal for team leaders, project managers, emerging professionals — or anyone who wants to lead with clarity and confidence.

Final Thought: Respecting Authority ≠ Blind Agreement

There’s nothing wrong with respecting experience and leadership. But critical thinking means knowing when to challenge ideas — respectfully, constructively, and with evidence.

Authority Bias is powerful, but it’s not inevitable. The more we understand it, the better we can lead, collaborate, and solve real problems in meaningful ways.

At Industry Partners Australia, we believe the future of business belongs to those who think critically, adapt quickly, and act thoughtfully.

Have you encountered Authority Bias in your workplace?

Join the conversation with other members and explore how training can help shift the culture toward more open, effective problem solving.

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