The defensive attribution hypothesis explains how individuals assign blame to others to distance themselves from potential fault or risk. In online communities, this can lead to finger-pointing or overgeneralizations during discussions of mistakes, especially when stakes are high. This behavior often creates friction, misunderstanding, and a lack of accountability.
Community managers can mitigate this by promoting constructive criticism and creating a culture of shared responsibility. Encouraging members to focus on solutions rather than blame helps foster trust and collaboration within the community.
In a project management forum, a team member blames another for a missed deadline, citing external factors. Moderators can intervene by emphasizing a collective review of the issue, helping members analyze challenges without fostering defensiveness or unnecessary conflict.