What is Abilene Paradox ?
This comprehensive glossary of human resource terms defines words and phrases frequently used by HR professionals.
Abilene Paradox definition
The Abilene Paradox refers to a situation when a group makes a collective decision that is counter to the thoughts and feelings of its individual members.
Abilene Paradox is a term used for a phenomenon in management and describes inability to manage agreement.
The Abilene Paradox occurs because individuals do not want to disturb an existing situation or be a killjoy, even though their perceptions of the other members’ feelings are incorrect.
This happens when certain members of the group, when making decisions, go with the rest of the group even when they don't agree with the rest.
Another expression used for this situation is commonly known as a desire not to "rock the boat".