What is the tendency to assume that others share one's own beliefs and feelings known as?

The tendency to assume that others share one's own beliefs and feelings is known as projection. This psychological concept involves individuals attributing their own thoughts, feelings, or motives to others, often leading to a misunderstanding of how others truly think or feel. For example, if someone is feeling optimistic about a project, they may project this positivity onto their colleagues, believing that everyone else shares the same enthusiasm.

In contrast, the other concepts mentioned in the question have different meanings. The halo effect refers to the cognitive bias where the perception of one positive quality leads to the assumption of other positive traits. Similarity generally relates to the preference for individuals who are perceived as being like oneself, which is not specifically tied to the assumption of shared beliefs. The primacy effect involves the phenomenon where the first piece of information encountered is more influential in forming opinions or judgments than subsequent information.

Understanding projection is critical as it highlights the importance of recognizing individual differences in beliefs and feelings within organizational contexts. This awareness can lead to more effective communication and collaboration among team members.