Not Invented Here (NIH) is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals or groups reject ideas, solutions, or products that originate from outside their own circle. This cognitive bias can be detrimental to an organization's ability to innovate and stay competitive. It is a form of tunnel vision, where an individual or group persists in their own ideas and solutions, even though better solutions may exist elsewhere. This can lead to a lack of collaboration and a failure to take advantage of external resources. It can also lead to a failure to recognize the value of the input of other people, which can result in a lack of creativity and innovation. NIH can be caused by a number of factors, including a desire for control, a lack of trust in external sources, and a fear of change. Individuals or groups may feel that they have invested too much time or resources into their own ideas and solutions to consider alternatives. Additionally, they may feel that external sources do not have the same level of expertise or understanding of the problem as they do. NIH can have significant negative consequences for an organization. It can lead to missed opportunities for innovation and growth. It can also create a culture of distrust and isolation, where individuals or groups are unwilling to collaborate or share ideas. This can lead to a lack of diversity in thought and a failure to consider alternative perspectives. To overcome NIH, organizations must create a culture that values collaboration and open-mindedness. They must encourage individuals and groups to seek out and consider external sources of ideas and solutions. They must also be willing to invest in the development of new ideas and solutions, even if they originate from outside the organization.
cognitive bias, tunnel vision, collaboration, innovation, culture
Not Invented Here is a cognitive bias and logical fallacy which means that people are more likely to prefer their own ideas and solutions to problems, and are less likely to accept ideas from other people. It can lead people to believe their ideas are always the best, even if they might not be the most efficient or effective. This can be a problem because it can prevent people from getting the best solutions to problems.
Ideas, Solutions, Innovation, Avoidance, Preference.
Not Invented Here (NIH) is a cognitive bias that involves a refusal to accept or use ideas, solutions, or products that originate outside of an individual or group. It is a kind of mental block that can be detrimental to an organization's ability to innovate and stay competitive. The phenomenon is a form of tunnel vision, where an individual or group persists in their own ideas and solutions, even though better solutions may exist elsewhere. This can lead to a lack of collaboration and a failure to take advantage of external resources. It can also lead to a failure to recognize the value of the input of other people, which can result in a lack of creativity and innovation.
NIH, logical fallacy, cognitive bias, resistance to change.
CITATION : "Jessica Adams. 'Not Invented Here.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=213791 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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