The concept of fairness is based on principles such as equality and impartiality which are often undermined by interpersonal relationships and intimate ties. Emotions play an important role in determining how people react to situations that involve allocating resources between different parties, especially when they have a close relationship with them. This can lead to decisions being made that are driven more by feelings than objective criteria. In this article, I will explore how emotional closeness distorts fairness in task allocation by examining various scenarios and exploring the impact it has on decision-making processes.
Consider a scenario where two individuals, 'A' and 'B', must divide up tasks amongst themselves. If both have similar levels of skill and ability, then a fair distribution would be to allocate equal portions of work.
If one individual has a personal connection or history with the other, their attachment may cause them to give preference to that person even if the latter does not deserve it objectively.
A manager who prefers to assign tasks to their best friend because they feel comfortable working together can create unfairness among other employees who may feel overworked due to unequal responsibility. Similarly, family members may feel obligated to give priority to each other's needs, resulting in one member taking on most of the burden while others reap benefits without contributing equally.
There could also be cases where emotional closeness leads to more equitable divisions of labor.
If two partners decide to share household chores based on their individual strengths rather than simply assigning tasks arbitrarily, it could result in a better balance overall.
Groups of friends might choose to work together on projects where everyone contributes something unique to ensure success for all involved.
While emotional closeness can enhance teamwork and foster mutual support, it is essential to consider its potential downside when making decisions regarding resource allocation. Fairness must always come first so that no party feels disadvantaged due to favoritism or bias stemming from interpersonal relationships.
How does emotional closeness distort fairness in task allocation?
Emotional closeness between individuals can create an imbalance in how tasks are allocated, as people may be more likely to prioritize their personal relationships over fairness. This is because when we feel close to someone, we are more motivated to help them, even if it means sacrificing our own interests.