The Abilene Paradox Described
Ever been in a group where, somehow, you all ended up going somewhere or doing something that NOONE wanted to do? Or, have you ever wondered why groups of people sometimes seem to have an intelligence level that is significantly lower than any of the individuals when working alone?
Group dynamics explain why this can happen. One of the more interesting patterns of group dynamics to be described in recent times is "The Abilene Paradox". This paradox explains how, through mismanaged agreement, groups end up doing things AGAINST THEIR OWN INTERESTS AND AGAINST THE INTERESTS OR DESIRES OF THE GROUP MEMBERS.