Abilene Paradox and False Agreements

An Abilene Paradox from Richard Boyle on Vimeo.

Many years ago Professor Jerry B. Harvey discovered that the fundamental problem of contemporary organizations is the inability to cope with agreement--not conflict. He finds that most agreement in organizations is actually false consensus. It occurs because many people feel they might be isolated, censured or ridiculed if they voice objections. This often leads groups to act on inappropriate goals and is a setup for organizational failure.  Harvey also believes that organizations stay away from conflict and keep ways of being that is not core to their beliefs and mission/vision.  These series of false agreements compromise the livelihood of many organizations.