Bystander Effect

Definition: the Bystander Effect is a phenomenon in psychology in which people present in larger groups are unlikely to help victims when encountering bullying, sexual harassment, racism or emergencies.

It refers to 'the tendency exhibited by individuals to remain inactive in situations involving high risk and danger due to the presence of other bystanders'. It is one form of cognitive bias.

The term was coined by social psychologists John Darley and Bibb Latané in 1968.

Learn more about the bystander effect

More on ethics: Consequentialism, Value Theory, Values.

MBA Brief offers accurate and concise definitions of MBA concepts, frameworks, methods and models.

We love to keep things really short, but provide links to learn more about your subject and to similar concepts.