Why Managers Play Favorites – and How They Can Change

This podcast episode explores the common phenomenon of favoritism in the workplace and its negative consequences on team morale and productivity. It discusses research findings that show the prevalence of favoritism, with 75% of employees witnessing it. The episode features insights from Ginka Toegel, a professor at IMD Business School, who emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for managers in recognizing and addressing favoritism. The episode also highlights the formation of in-groups and out-groups based on similarities, leading to preferential treatment and unfairness. It provides strategies for both managers and employees to address favoritism and emphasizes the need for fairness and equal opportunities within teams.