Proximity bias explained

Proximity bias refers to the cognitive bias that people have a preference for things that are close in time and space.^[1]

The common proverb, out of sight, out of mind, is a reflection proximity bias.^[2]

Origin

Proximity bias originates as an evolutionary social psychology trait when people lived in physically close-knit communities for survival.^[3]

Workplace

Within the workplace, proximity bias may be exhibited towards onsite workers and against remote workers.^{[4] [2]}

Finance

People exhibit a proximity bias in their investments.^[5]

See also

• Affinity bias

Notes and References

1. Book: Luthra . Poornima . Muhr . Sara Louise . Leading Through Bias: 5 Essentials Skills to Block Bias and Improve Inclusion at Work . 26 December 2023 . Springer Nature . 978-3-031-38571-1 . 122 . 22 July 2024 . en.
2. News: Lutkevich . Ben . Proximity bias explained: Everything you need to know . 22 July 2024 . . April 25, 2023 . en.
3. Book: Winning in the Virtual Workplace: 10 Experts Reveal How to Lead Your Remote Team to Success . 5 April 2024 . Center for the Advancement of Virtual Organizations . 979-8-9894894-1-1 . 22 July 2024 . en . Understanding the Origin of Proximity Bias.
4. News: Tsipursky . Gleb . What Is Proximity Bias and How Can Managers Prevent It? . 22 July 2024 . Harvard Business Review . 4 October 2022.
5. Book: Lindblom . Ted . Mavruk . Taylan . Sjögren . Stefan . Proximity Bias in Investors’ Portfolio Choice . 6 August 2017 . Springer . 978-3-319-54762-6 . 22 July 2024 . en.