The Paradox Portal
Psychological/Decision

Abilene Paradox

Groups make decisions no individual member wants

Overview

A paradox where a group decides on an action that no individual member actually wanted.

A family in Texas decides to drive to Abilene for dinner in the heat, though no one actually wanted to go - each thought the others wanted it. They mismanage agreement and make a collective decision no one desired. Common in organizations.

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