Convenience

F I G U R E 9 . 3
Perceptual Processes
Two of the most basic perceptual processes are selective perception and
stereotyping. As shown here, selective perception occurs when we screen out
information (represented by the – symbols) that causes us discomfort or that
contradicts our beliefs. Stereotyping occurs when we categorize or label people on
the basis of a single attribute, illustrated here by color.
perception
The set of processes
by which an
individual becomes
aware of and
interprets
information about
the environment
selective perception
The process of
screening out
information that we
are uncomfortable
with or that
contradicts our
beliefs
stereotyping
The process of
categorizing or
labeling people on
the basis of a single
attribute
272
Part 4:
Leading
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be harmful. For example, suppose a manager forms the stereotype that women can per-
form only certain tasks and that men are best suited for other tasks. To the extent that
this affects the manager’s hiring practices, the manager is (1) costing the organization
valuable talent for both sets of jobs, (2) violating federal law, and (3) behaving
unethically. On the other hand, certain forms of stereotyping can be useful and effi-
cient. Suppose, for example, that a manager believes that communication skills are
important for a particular job and that speech communication majors tend to have
exceptionally good communication skills. As a result, whenever he interviews candi-
dates for jobs, he pays especially close attention to speech communication majors. To
the extent that communication skills truly predict job performance and that majoring
in speech communication does indeed provide those skills, this form of stereotyping
can be efficient.