Anonymous
University of the People Escalation of Commitment: A Reproachful Decision
Decisions are made on a daily basis, and important decisions can make or break for individuals and organizations. Errors in decision making can lead to unwanted results, but continuing on an unfavorable course of action can be devastating. Escalation of commitment is the behavior that occurs when an individual decides to continue investing resources into a failing course of action (Bauer & Erdogan, 2009). This essay will analyze escalation of commitment and how it impacts an organization.
Discussion
Ross and Staw (1993, p. 701) pose two questions which are fundamental in understanding the dichotomy …show more content…
It can be surmised that an otherwise rational individual may experience commitment escalation based on their limitation of information processing or as a result of interpersonal elements. Staw (1981) explains, “…biasing of attitudes is most likely to occur when individuals feel personally responsible for negative consequences and when these consequences are difficult to undo” (p. 579).
Psychological behavior is found to be a common denominator among choices which are positive or negative. Ross and Staw (1993) include several determinants of escalation which including project-based, psychological, social, and organizational factors. But, pressure can also be placed on whole organizations which may entrap them into an escalating …show more content…
This essay analyzed several facets of escalation of commitment and how it impacts organizations and individuals. By carefully and methodically selecting a choice as well as a regular review of such decisions, the adverse effects of commitment escalation can be reduced or eliminated. References
Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B. (2009). Organizational behavior, v 1.1. Irvingston, NY: Flat World Knowledge, Inc. Retrieved from https://my.uopeople.edu.
Ross, J., & Staw, B.M. (1993). Organizational escalation and exit: Lessons from the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant. In Academy of Management Journal, 36(4), 701-732. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/256756.
Street, M., & Street, V.L. (2006). The effects of escalating commitment on ethical decision-making. In Journal of Business Ethics, 64(4), 343-356. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25123758.
Staw, B.M. (1981). The escalation of commitment to a course of action. In Academy of Management Review, 6(4), 577-587. Retrieved from