Perception Perception Perception refers to the interpretation of

Perception

Perception “Perception refers to the interpretation of what we take in through our senses. In terms of optical illusions this means our eyes. ” Simply put, our brains are tricked into seeing something which may or may not be real. http: //www. keele. ac. uk/depts/aa/widening/uniworld/webclub/rs/optical. htm

Factors that Influence Perception § The Object of Perception: some things in our environment tend to attract attention § Backgrounds and Surroundings our surroundings at the moment of perception will affect our perceptions § The Perceiver we each bring unique experiences and personal points of view to each situation

I’m going to show you a series of images and I want you to write 3 words to describe each image

Embedded Images http: //psycharts. com/opt_illus. html

When you look at the figure you will see either a vase or two faces. If you continue to look, the figure will appear to shift to the alternative organization http: //psycharts. com/opt_illus. html

Old Woman or Young Girl? http: //psycharts. com/opt_illus. html

Man/Woman http: //psycharts. com/opt_illus. html

What do you see?

10 Organizational Behavior / Perception

11 Organizational Behavior / Perception

12 Organizational Behavior / Perception

What is Perception?

Perception • Is the process which people receive and interpret information from the environment. • Perceptions are influenced by values, cultural background and other circumstances of the moment and can lead to distortion.

Perceptual Distortions • Stereotypes – places attributes commonly associated to a specific group to a specific individual • Halo Effect – when one attribute is used to develop an overall impression of a person or situation • Selective perception – to define problems from only your point of view • Projections – assuming your desires are also the desires of someone else

Perception Activity • Everyone close your eyes and list • Listen to my instructions

• • Picture the beach. What does it look like? what does it sound like? What are you feeling? • Without talking to anyone, open your eyes and try and draw what you pictured.

What does your beach look like?

Questions to ponder/write the answers down somewhere - why have we spent a lesson on Perception in Leadership class? - How do you think having a good understanding of differing perspectives helps you to be a better manager? - Describe a situation of conflict and explain it from two different perspectives.