Final answer:
Displacement of responsibility is a cognitive technique where an individual shifts the blame for their actions to external factors, thus avoiding personal accountability and reducing cognitive dissonance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Displacement of responsibility is a cognitive disengagement technique that involves an individual attributing their actions to external factors, thereby mentally absolving themselves from personal accountability. This form of disengagement is akin to transferring blame or responsibility for one's own behavior to someone else or different circumstances. For example, a person might argue that they were forced into making an unethical decision due to pressure from higher-ups or due to situational constraints beyond their control.
Cognitive dissonance arises when there is a discrepancy between one's beliefs and actions, creating psychological discomfort. To alleviate this discomfort, individuals may engage in displacement of responsibility, shifting blame to relieve the tension between their actions and self-concept. This tactic reduces the individual's sense of personal agency and avoids the discomfort associated with accepting responsibility for actions that are inconsistent with one's self-image or moral standards.