What's the term for the phenomenon "people in a team can't say 'no' because they are in a group"?

Question

I know there's a term for it, but it's on the tip of my tongue:
If there's a team of people, and someone says "any objections?", everyone in the team feels compelled to say "yes", even though they might have objections (because they are in a group environment)
What is the term for that phenomenon?

Aakash Sunkari · Accepted Answer

I found the term - It's called the Abilene paradox:
In the Abilene paradox, a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is counter to the preferences of many or all of the individuals in the group.

Kira · Answer

Is peer pressure the phrase you're looking for? While it can also mean someone directly pressuring their peer into something, I believe it covers your example of pressure to agree with the group.
(I just saw that you answered your own question with "the Abilene paradox" so if this is irrelevant now, feel free to ignore it.)

What's the term for the phenomenon "people in a team can't say 'no' because they are in a group"?

2 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question