selfserving

Selfserving, also written as self-serving, is an adjective describing actions, motives, or interpretations that primarily benefit oneself or one’s own group, often at others’ expense. In everyday use, a self-serving decision advances the interests, status, or gain of the actor rather than the common good.

In psychology, the term is frequently linked to self-serving bias, a cognitive bias whereby people attribute successes to their own abilities and efforts while blaming failures on external factors or luck. This bias can protect self-esteem and motivation but may distort judgment and learning.

Self-serving behavior appears in many contexts, including personal finances, workplace interactions, politics, and social relations. It can involve selective disclosure, taking credit for group work, or framing outcomes as favorable to oneself.

Critics argue that self-serving actions undermine objectivity, accountability, and trust, especially in professional or civic spheres. Proponents may contend that some degree of self-interest is natural and efficient, aligning with theories of personal incentives and survival. Ethical considerations typically focus on balancing legitimate interests with potential harm to others, emphasizing transparency and fairness.

In literature and media, self-serving motives are often used to illustrate character flaws or moral dilemmas. See also self-interest, bias, narcissism, and self-advocacy.