The new episode of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) Engage podcast is out now, exploring how public relations professionals can recognise and address bias in organisational decision-making.
Episode 20 – Causing the right kind of trouble – overcoming bias in decision-making – examines the advisory role PR practitioners play in challenging flawed decision-making processes. Hosted by Ben Verinder, managing director of Chalkstream, the episode features Dr Jon White Chart.PR, Hon FCIPR, a consultant in public relations and organisational development, and Shayoni Lynn, CEO and founder of behavioural science communications consultancy Lynn Group.
The conversation covers the nature of cognitive bias, from heuristics and system one thinking to the limitations of rational decision-making. The guests examine real-world examples including Apple’s decade-long Project Titan initiative, groupthink in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis, and how confirmation bias and optimism bias affected the UK’s COVID-19 response.
Their discussion addresses many contemporary and evolving challenges facing PR, including bias in artificial intelligence systems, the ethical application of behavioural science in communications, and growing issues around ageism.
This episode tackles a question that matters for every PR professional – how do we help organisations make better decisions? Ben, Jon, and Shayoni do a fantastic job exploring biases that trip up even experienced leaders, from the sunk cost thinking that kept Apple investing in Project Titan for a decade, to how groupthink contributed to the financial crisis. They discuss why PR practitioners are uniquely positioned to spot these problems early, bringing outside perspective into internal discussions. Whether you’re advising boards or working in-house, this episode provides great insight into how comms pros can become more effective strategic advisers.
Alastair McCapra, CIPR Chief Executive
- Listen to the Engage Podcast on Apple or Spotify
- Find out more about the CIPR’s Engage Podcast
- CIPR members can log 5 CPD points for listening to this episode
- Find out more about the CIPR’s Behavioural Science training
