ellujäämismuster

ellujäämismuster refers to a cognitive bias where individuals tend to focus on those who have succeeded or survived in a particular situation, while overlooking those who have failed or perished. This oversight can lead to a distorted understanding of the factors contributing to success and an underestimation of the risks involved. The term originates from the observation of how people often study the strategies of successful companies or individuals without considering the numerous failed ventures that shared similar characteristics.

This phenomenon can influence decision-making in various fields, including business, finance, and even personal choices. For example, when investing, people might be drawn to stories of highly profitable investments, neglecting to analyze the potential downsides or the many investments that did not yield positive returns. Similarly, in entrepreneurship, the focus on successful startups can overshadow the high failure rates common in the industry.

Recognizing the ellujäämismuster is crucial for a more realistic assessment of situations. It encourages a more thorough investigation into both successes and failures to gain a comprehensive perspective. This involves actively seeking out data on unsuccessful attempts and considering the role of chance and external factors that might have contributed to both outcomes. By acknowledging the overlooked failures, individuals and organizations can make more informed decisions, develop more robust strategies, and better prepare for potential challenges.