Abilene paradox

[ciphergoth]

Just randomly found this on Wikipedia: Abilene paradox - the possibility that a group decision will be made for X even though every single person in the group would prefer Y. This is a familiar situation to me, and I'm sure that's usual. It can be hard to express a preference weakly - you say "I'd slightly prefer not to get starters", and no matter how many caveats I put on that, it's rare that anyone is prepared to say "well, I really like their spring rolls so I would like to get starters if everyone else is OK".

On the other hand, it's kind of a good problem to have - I'd rather these problems than have everyone fighting to put their own needs ahead of everyone else's...

Comments

[funky-firelord.livejournal.com]

Sounds like some of the committee's that I know.
I do wonder sometimes how much of the group communication is non verbal in such situations. Leading our decisions before we voice them.

Firelord

[phantas.livejournal.com]

I used to talk about that type of scenarios with a close friend of mine who did research in economics.

Mathematically speaking, Microeconomics use an interesting mix of set theory, orders with games theory thrown in the mix to try to represent "preferences" and associated properties. It's cute.

[seph-hazard.livejournal.com]

Gosh, isn't that familiar! (Perfect example of this the other night-my father and I ended up in the pub when both of us wanted to be in bed, because we were both assuming that the other one wanted a drink...)

I'd rather these problems than have everyone fighting to put their own needs ahead of everyone else's...

Yes, indeed. It probably shows that said group is conscientious and caring. Or something.

[purplerabbits.livejournal.com]

The sound you can hear is me banging my head on the desk in recognition. Ow.

[plumsbitch.livejournal.com]

Ha! so familiar.

Although yr specific example doesn't work on me as I'm *always* all about the tasty food when eating out so am most likely to say 'if no-ones minds, I'll get a starter/extra meal/six dinners etc to go along with what everyone else orders' and dive into the menu.

[vvalkyri.livejournal.com]

Entirely too familiar.

[drdoug.livejournal.com]

Just randomly found this

Been looking up Internet2 by any chance? *grin*

[barking-watcher.livejournal.com]

Interesting concept, one that is so familiar within our group.

Did you follow the link to the article on Pluralistic ignorance and in particular the case of Kitty Genovese? A very chilling situation and one that is probably on the increase.

[nikolasco.livejournal.com]

It reminds me of the byzantine agreement problem, but maybe that's just because I'm a dork.

[jhg.livejournal.com]

This has been a major factor in me losing relationships. Though I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be.

[hamsterine.livejournal.com]

Interesting that so many people recognise this. I don't remember experiencing this myself really. I've been in a situation where I actually wanted to do X initiallu but it was crap, & I still said I liked it to be polite.

I don't think I'd say I want to do something if I don't. I might downplay how much I don't want to a little bit, ie "I'd be happy just to stay in, but if you want to go thats fine too."

[strangerover.livejournal.com]

The Wisdom Of Crowds has a bit to say about such issues (and elections in the U.S. of A.)

"The meek shall inherit the Earth" - oh go on, if you insist...

[bileandvitriol.livejournal.com]

It's sort of a strange mirror of the Byzantine Generals' Problem, arising from ineptitude rather than malice. Obviously, we need more dictators to prevent this sort of erroneous groupthink from derailing the engine of state. Remember, Vote Fascist for a Third Glorious Decade of Total Law Enforcement!

[ladycat.livejournal.com]

I've been in so many women's groups where this happens - nobody is prepared to make a decision in case they spontaneously grow a penis, so a murmur from one person pushes it that way, then everyone begrudges the decision.

Does the same happen on mixed or male only committees?