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Understanding the Abilene Paradox: The Management of Agreement
The Parable
The paradox starts with a story: A family sitting in their backyard decided to take a trip to Abilene, Texas, despite each member being privately reluctant. They all agreed to go because they believed the others were keen on the idea, leading to an uncomfortable 50-mile journey in the scorching heat. Classic miscommunication, right?
Definition
The Abilene Paradox, first described by management expert Jerry B. Harvey in 1974, occurs when a group of people collectively decides on a course of action that goes against the preferences of the individuals in the group.
The Abilene Paradox is an organizational management concept that addresses one of the most puzzling and, let’s admit it, awkward group behaviors: how people end up making decisions that none of them individually agrees with, yet everyone assumes the others do, leading to dissatisfaction, frustration, and sometimes even disastrous outcomes.
Main Points of the Abilene Paradox
- Miscommunication and Assumptions:
People fail to express their true opinions, leading to decisions based on false consensus. - Fear of Conflict:
Individuals often fear disagreement or confrontation, so they stay…
