Question

Explain the concept of Jerry Harvey's the Abilene Paradox to the CEO. Is it possible to avoid Abilene? What could you recommend to management to escape going to Abilene in the enterprise?

Answer 1

The Answer to question about Abilene Paradox and how to avoid it:

Abilene Paradox is a behavioral effect that occurs when organizations or individuals take actions in contradiction with what they really want to do. Because of such decision making, they defeat what they really want to achieve. The Abilene Paradox is a situation that occurs due to the fear of being alone or not being a team player. It is the team members unable to make an agreement. The individuals in the team often have the fear to say ‘no’, when he/she does not agree with the decision. Sometimes the individuals have a lack of confidence to put forward the point which has more effective measures for success.

It is possible to avoid Abilene Paradox by identifying all alternatives and generating contingency plans, increasing heterogeneity, removing physical isolation, appointing devil’s advocate, doing an external reality check, and managing the impact of high-status members. Management can use any of above-mentioned techniques to escape going to Abilene Paradox. The managers can train the group members to increase their confidence in decision making, and technical skills. Apart from the training on listening skills and probing skills should also be provided to build confidence in the group members, so the impact of high-status members can be moderated. Management should give preference in hiring the employees with a broad perspective.