Page 244 - IMDR JOURNAL 2023-24

IMDR’s Journal of Management Development & Research 2023-24

context of agile global teams, where cultural nuances and a desire for group harmony prevail, Gen Z faces a
unique challenge.

The very traits that empower them – their openness and desire to fit in – can create a paradox. Cultural norms
and the fear of disrupting group consensus might lead them to suppress their voices, conforming to perceived

groupthink even when it contradicts their own preferences. This, in turn, can stifle innovation, hinder effective

decision-making, and ultimately derail the agile process.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial to empower Gen Z and future generations to navigate the complexities

of group decision-making in the agile workplace. By fostering open dialogue, where diverse perspectives are
valued and authentic expression is encouraged, we can move beyond the Abilene Paradox. This unlocks the

full potential of agile global teams, harnessing the collective intelligence and innovation that a generation like

Gen Z brings to the table. In doing so, we create truly collaborative and effective work environments,
propelling us towards more meaningful and fulfilling collective choices in the ever-evolving global landscape.

Objectives:

 To highlight the crucial role of an agile global workforce in achieving the ambitious goals of Viksit

Bharat 2047, India's vision for an empowered and thriving nation.
 To foster awareness and facilitate recognition of the Abilene Paradox in developing an Agile Global

Workforce.

 The subsequent objective involves quantifying the frequency of the Abilene Paradox phenomenon
within the Gen Z demographic & Agile Global Workforce.

Literature Review

As India strives to achieve the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 – a prosperous, inclusive, and global

leader – fostering a dynamic and collaborative workforce is paramount. However, a seemingly innocuous
phenomenon known as the Abilene Paradox, described by Jerry B. Harvey in 1974 (Harvey, 1974), poses a

significant challenge to this vision. The Abilene Paradox occurs when individuals within a group privately

disagree with a proposed course of action but publicly conform to avoid social isolation or judgment. While
seemingly harmless, this phenomenon can have significant consequences for achieving the goals of Viksit

Bharat 2047, particularly in the context of the Agile Global Workforce.

Gen Z: Cornerstone of a Viksit Bharat's Agile Workforce

Generation Z (Gen Z), born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is poised to play a pivotal role

in shaping the future of India's workforce and contributing to the success of Viksit Bharat 2047. Their digital
fluency, comfort with remote work, and emphasis on collaboration perfectly align with the demands of an

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