Scenario: A team is going through a period of high stress. One member is systematically criticized for minor mistakes, even though others are making similar mistakes.
What factors may play a role here?
- A. Leadership Effectiveness
- B. The Scapegoat
- C. Constructive cooperation
Answer: B. Scapegoat
Case Study: “The Scapegoat in the Project”
The project team was preparing an important presentation for the client. Due to time pressure, the leader was stressed and reacted harshly to any lapses. One team member, Marta, was most often criticized for minor errors, even though others made similar ones. The rest of the team remained silent. Marta began to feel reluctant to participate in subsequent tasks and lost motivation.
Situation analysis
- The pressure of stress in a team can lead to the search for a “scapegoat” on which negative attention is focused.
- Subtle group dynamics and a lack of support from the leader reinforce the exclusion effect.
- Criticism may seem justified, but the accumulation of small actions excludes the individual from a sense of psychological security.
Practical conclusions
- Leaders should monitor the group to avoid favoring or excluding anyone.
- Regular support, clear evaluation criteria, and open communication minimize the risk of creating a scapegoat.
- Awareness of group dynamics allows us to respond to subtle forms of discrimination and strengthens cooperation.