What is the term for the tendency of observers to selectively seek certain information to form impressions of others?

The term "audience selectivity" aptly describes the tendency of observers to selectively seek specific information when forming impressions of others. This concept highlights how individuals often have preconceived notions or biases that influence the type of information they look for and the interpretations they make about others’ behavior.

In interpersonal interactions, people may focus on certain traits or behaviors that are consistent with their existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. For instance, someone may emphasize positive feedback about a colleague if they already favor that person, while downplaying negative behaviors. This selective attention serves to reinforce existing impressions rather than provide a balanced view.

This phenomenon is crucial in understanding organizational behavior as it sheds light on how biases can affect team dynamics, recruitment processes, and performance evaluations. Recognizing audience selectivity can help mitigate its effects by promoting awareness of one’s biases, leading to more objective evaluations and improved interpersonal relationships within a workplace.