Groupthink is an essential concept studied by social psychology and represents the key that explains the well-known Abilene paradox, in addition to how social pressure influences it. This was explained by Jerry B. Harvey, a professor at George Washington University, in his book “The Abilene Paradox and Other Meditations on Management,” published in 1988. The story seems like a simple observation of a situation that many people will have experienced over the years. throughout his life. Sometimes, without even knowing it. And, although it may seem anecdotal from the surface, the implications it entails are enormous.
The scenario proposed by the Abilene paradox is an excellent example of how group dynamics and the decision-making process influenced by groupthink work. This concept was developed by psychologist Irving Janis in 1972, and refers to how each individual in a group acts based on the group itself. Often making wrong decisions that they didn't even agree with in the first place.
The Abilene Paradox is a story. It tells that, during a hot afternoon, a family made up of a couple and the in-laws are quietly at home, in the shade. Suddenly, the father-in-law suggests taking a trip to the city of Abilene, about 80 kilometers from the place. Faced with this proposal, the other three members of the family accept. After the long trip, uncomfortable with the heat that day, they arrive in Abilene, where they share a rather disappointing meal and return home a few hours later, exhausted.
Once back, they talk and realize that none of them wanted to make that trip. The mother-in-law claimed that she showed approval because the other three seemed to want to do it. The husband, for her part, acknowledged that he agreed because he thought the rest would like it. While the wife had the same thought. As for her father-in-law, she only proposed him because she thought the others were bored.
That is, everyone preferred to stay at home, sitting comfortably in the fresh air. But they agreed and put aside their individual wishes so as not to go against what they thought the group wanted.
From the point of view of social psychology, as already advanced by psychologist Irving Janis, people tend to put aside their personal desires and ignore the consequences in order not to disagree with the apparent consensus of group thinking. That is, there is a situation of conformity. And this brings with it a whole series of negative points. From the self-censorship that each individual imposes on himself, such as the failure to weigh the implications, especially negative, of such a decision.
