When Pride Becomes Bias

But the IKEA Effect isn’t always useful. It can cloud judgment, especially in business or creative work. Founders cling to unviable products because they’ve built them. Managers keep flawed strategies alive because they’ve invested time. This overlaps with the sunk cost fallacy — our reluctance to abandon efforts we’ve already poured resources into.

Psychologists warn that this combination of biases leads to what’s known as “effort justification”: we mistake hard work for inherent quality. The more something costs us — in time, energy, or emotion — the harder it becomes to admit it’s not working.

Turning Awareness Into Strength

Understanding the IKEA Effect doesn’t mean you should stop building or caring about your creations. It means learning to separate value from effort. Periodically ask: If I hadn’t made this, would I still think it’s good? In creative fields, inviting outside feedback or fresh perspectives can help break the bias loop.

In leadership, it’s equally crucial. Good management isn’t about protecting every idea you’ve built — it’s about knowing which ones to upgrade, and which ones to take apart.