| Author: | Silver, W. S. Mitchell, T. R. |
| Title: | The status quo tendency in decision making. |
| Journal: | Organizational Dynamics
1990 : SPRING, VOL. 18:4, p. 34-46 |
| Index terms: | DECISION MAKING |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | When faced with decisions about changing goals and plans, decision makers often will decide to continue with the existing course of action. Both empirical and observational evidence suggests that this "status quo tendency" is valid. It is shown that this tendency can be understood in the context of image theory. Individuals construct and compare principle images, goal images, and strategic images and then base their decisions on the compability or "fit" of these images. The difference between image theory and traditional decision theory is explained. A number of strategies that can help to reduce and combat the status quo tendency are recommended (generating new ideas, examining alternatives, shifting emphasis, taking more risk etc.). |
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