Final answer:
The perception bias in question is 'neutralization,' specifically 'denial of responsibility,' where the dishonest worker justifies stealing by suggesting such behavior is common. The worker may deal with the accusation by denying injury, denying the victim, condemning the condemners, or making an appeal to a higher authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Perception Bias in Workplace Theft
The perception bias that a dishonest worker exhibits when stating "Sure I steal from the company, but so does everyone else," is known as neutralization. Neutralization is a concept where individuals justify their unethical or illegal actions by convincing themselves that these actions are normal or acceptable within certain contexts or peer groups. In this case, the employee is utilizing a specific type of neutralization known as the 'denial of responsibility', where they deflect their personal responsibility by suggesting that the behavior is widespread and thus, less personally condemnable.
When the employee is confronted with the label of a thief due to the cash drawer discrepancies, they might utilize various techniques to deal with this accusation:
- The Denial of Injury: By claiming the act did not cause any real harm, as the insurance will cover the losses.
- The Denial of the Victim: Arguing that the act was a form of self-compensation for perceived injustices, like never receiving a raise.
- The Condemnation of the Condemners: Deflecting the blame onto the accuser, questioning their right to pass judgment.
- Appeal to a Higher Authority: Justifying the theft by claiming it was done for a 'greater good', such as needing the money for a sick relative's medication.
In each of these cases, the employee is utilizing a form of rationalization to mitigate the perception of guilt and to cope with the societal label of a 'thief'. Such rationalizations align with the theory proposed by Sykes and Matza (1957) where wrongdoers know their actions are viewed as wrong by others, but justify them to themselves to alleviate cognitive dissonance and avoid self-condemnation.