Which bias can lead experts to favor their own self-interest over neutrality?

Ego Bias refers to the inclination of individuals to prioritize their own interests, beliefs, or reputations over impartiality. This bias can manifest when experts may allow their personal stake in a situation to influence their judgment, thereby skewing their assessments and opinions in ways that can benefit themselves.

In professional settings where neutrality is crucial, such as in research, consultancy, or advisory roles, ego bias can undermine the integrity of the output. When experts are driven by the need to protect their reputation or status, they may consciously or unconsciously distort facts or shade their analyses to ensure their personal view is favored or to align with their self-image.

This bias highlights the importance of maintaining awareness of potential conflicts of interest, as it poses a significant ethical concern in professional practices. Recognizing and addressing such biases is vital for preserving objectivity and credibility in expert assessments.

In contrast, while other biases like financial bias or hired guns bias may relate to monetary influences, and sympathy bias might involve emotional attachments influencing decisions, ego bias specifically encapsulates the issue of prioritizing self-interest in expert decision-making.