Abilene paradox

Singapore
May 28, 2007 4:05am CST
I came across this concept recently. Even though it was 'discovered' so long ago (1974) I think it's very true and we don't expose it enough. Basically, the abilene paradox refers to the phenomenon when a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is contrary to what every individual desires. it involves a common breakdown in group communication when each member believes that their preference is contrary to the group's and thus does not voice objections. Two examples: 1) person A suggests going to X restaurant for lunch just to make conversation, secretly hoping someone suggests a better option. Person B doesn't really like X, but does not voice disapproval in case he sounds like a picky difficult person. Person C doesn't like X either but keeps quiet since two people appear to be ok with that choice. They all end up going to X but none are happy. 2) Boss knows that project X is a disaster, but doesn't want to stop it because he thinks the VP really has put his heart into it. VP doesn't dare say that X is really a disaster since he thinks that the Boss is very keen on it, at the rate that the Boss is encouraging him on it. Manager doesn't want to voice his observation that this is draining the company's resources since it seems like the Boss and VP are backing this. Ultimately, the disaster persists. This is linked to group think and social psychology. Have you experienced similar situations?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
29 May 07
True True... This is especially so when the group gets bigger, so much so that even when there is an objection and alternative suggestion, the agreement of the others with the original idea that that one alternative got drowned in the majority of voices. Most times, it is easier to go with the crowd rather than to go against it. This is a human reaction to try and reduce any conflict or friction between friends. I used to be the alternative voice within my group of friends. Problem is the one who always does the initial suggestion always got overrode by my alternative suggestions that he got so fed up, he ended up going with another group of friends rather than stick with the one I am in. heh heh... till today, he is still sore that the group always agree with my alternative suggestions as compared to going with his ;p
• India
28 May 07
hey thats really nice information. never heard of this one before. thanks for sharing!
@nancyrowina (3850)
28 May 07
I can't think of a time that this has happened to me off the top of my head I don't usually find it hard to disagree or state my real feelings, I'm sure it has at some point though. I'm sure many disasters have happened that could have been prevented if it weren't for this phenomenon.