The Bystander Effect
The Bystander Effect by Catherine Sanderson
Reviewed by Linda
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Thank you to @wmcollinsbooks for this fantastic read.
Sanderson undoubtedly makes great leaps and bounds in helping the reader understand the psychology of courage and inaction.
Packed with several anecdotes and statistics, we see that time and time again the human temperament is riddled with countless examples of cowardice and that altruism or being a moral rebel at school, at university or in the workplace is scarce.
Why do so many people sit on the fence and watch a crime being committed or allow a bully to do their worst? I’m sure that many of us would protest that we’d do the right thing theoretically but do we protest too much? Unfortunately, yes. The evidence is categoric in showing us that most humans are bystanders when it comes to the crunch. Is this behaviour something that is adopted or taught at home? Sanderson elaborates on certain traits developed in the upbringing of children that are very insightful to read about.
However, it was Chapter 8 that stayed with me the most: At Work - Fostering Ethical Behaviour. We’ve all had bad managers but I hope we’ve all had the privilege of having some great ones too. I’ve had both and having a moral and ethical leader is so underrated. It is rare to have a leader that creates an ethical workplace culture that values honesty and morals for the benefit of all employees. It is rare because it requires personal investment and commitment from the top, down.
Alas! There is a light at the end of the tunnel! Sanderson provides us with great examples throughout of people defying the bystander effect with the focus of the final few chapters on how to go against the grain and do the right thing no matter the environment.
Prospective leaders, readers, students (ok everyone) should read this book. It’s a great and informative read and one that I’ll be referring to as a guide for a long time to come!!
