Blame. Why do we do it? Is blame a necessary component of group interaction? What’s the real difference between blame and accountability? How do we foster one and not the other?
If blame is contagious, could accountability be contagious too? Wouldn’t that be useful?
Below is a link to an article about a new study from USC Marshall School of Business and Stanford University about the root of why we blame and what the outcomes often are. One of the most compelling sections centers on the cascading effect of watching blame happen in a public way.
http://uscnews.usc.edu/business/people_like_to_play_the_blame_game.html
What do you think about blame? The study centers on workplaces but would all the same principles apply in a family? In a school? In a community?
Alex Russell
Alex is a Program Manager for Six Seconds focused on implementing effective social emotional learning programs with schools and educational organizations. She conducts research on school climate and the links between EQ and success.
Thanks for this post, Alex. Blame is easy, self-exploration is hard! I feel a strong purpose in my own everyday work of trying not to blame others and look to my own contribution to a dynamic. Our culture also seems intent on teaching the “blame game.” We see it everywhere we look–from politicians, to celebrities, to sports heroes. The article helps me remember that when I take blame, I help not only myself to grow, but others too.