This phrase refers to a scenario the place people collectively resolve on a plan of action that none of them individually needs, as a result of every member mistakenly believes that the others help it. This phenomenon usually stems from a failure to speak true preferences, resulting in a detrimental end result that nobody supposed. A traditional instance is perhaps a household deciding to go on a picnic regardless of every member secretly preferring to remain residence, every assuming the others genuinely wish to go.
Understanding this dynamic is essential for efficient decision-making in teams. Recognizing the potential for this miscommunication permits people to precise their preferences brazenly and actually, stopping undesirable outcomes and fostering extra real collaboration. This idea emerged from Jerry B. Harvey’s “The Abilene Paradox,” illustrating how organizations can take actions opposite to the needs of their members. Its implications lengthen past organizational settings to any group dynamic, emphasizing the significance of clear communication and the braveness to dissent.
