The factors that influence our perception

Sample Answer

Our perception is a complex process influenced by a multitude of internal and external factors. Internally, our motivations, past experiences, and even our personality shape what we pay attention to and how we interpret it. For instance, a thirsty person is more likely to notice a water fountain sign than someone who isn't. Externally, the characteristics of the object or event itself play a role. Things that are intense, large, or moving tend to catch our attention more readily.

The Link Between Perception and Decision-Making

There's a strong link between perception and decision-making because we don't make choices based on objective reality; we make them based on our perceived reality. In an organization, a manager's decisions about a problem are influenced by how they perceive the problem itself, which is shaped by their past experiences, biases, and role. Our perceptions influence what we see as a problem in the first place, what information we seek out, and how we evaluate the available options. For example, a manager who perceives an employee's lack of output as laziness will make a different decision than one who perceives it as a lack of resources.