Abilene paradox attitudes towards them if they do not go along. This action-anxiety arises from what Harvey termed "negative fantasies"—unpleasant visualizations of what the group might say or do if individuals are honest about their opinions—when there is "real risk" of displeasure and negative consequences for not going along. The individual may experience "separation anxiety", fearing exclusion from the group. The theory is often used to help explain extremely poor group decisions, especially notions of the superiority of "rule by committee". For example, Harvey himself cited the Watergate scandal as a potential instance of the Abilene paradox in action. The Watergate scandal
Longview metropolitan area, Texas Longview metropolitan area, Texas The Longview Metropolitan Statistical Area is a metropolitan area in Northeast Texas that covers three counties - Gregg, Rusk, and Upshur. As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 194,042 (though a July 1, 2009 estimate placed the population at 206,874). It is also part of the larger Longview-Marshall Combined Statistical Area. As of the census of 2000, there were 194,042 people, 73,341 households, and 52,427 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 75.71% White, 17.93% African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 4.02% from