Our world is unstable and unpredictable, which makes some people, especially those who are nervous and hyper-controlling, seek stability and security in something that can hold them when their ship starts to sink, caught in the chaos of global fishing nets.
They find this in a lifeboat called “Affinity Bias,” which is the preference for what is eternal, what is almost perfect. Someone like you, but not exactly you. Someone like us, someone who shares the same interests, who also likes a hamburger without ketchup or knows ancient Greek. Indeed, from a socio-psychological perspective, we tend to like those who are similar to us because this confirms our values and boosts our self-esteem.
Another question here is how affinity bias and cultural fit are different or whether the “same core values and collective behaviors that make up an organization” were based on affinity bias or the aspiration for diversity and innovation?
Again, if we look at the evolutionary psychological perspective, we should remember that groupthink is not the worst mechanism to survive and even thrive. While we may admire independent thinkers, we should also be aware that this can weaken the social bond within the team when everyone is on their own. The consequences can be frequent voluntary turnovers and a lack of loyalty to the company.
What would be a reasonable balance here? And how can you overcome your own impostor syndrome if you think and act differently? Especially if you are a woman in a world where mansplaining is still a daily ritual? Is that feasible at all?