Escalating Commitment in Individual and Group Decision Making: A Prospect Theory Approach

An explanation for escalating commitment based on prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979) is extended to the group level of analysis. Hypotheses concerning the likelihood and degree of escalating commitment of individuals and groups were derived from the model and tested using six investment decision scenarios. Subjects responded to decision dilemmas in which substantial funds have been invested in a failing course of action. Subsequent investment would likely exacerbate although it could potentially reverse the situation. Consistent with hypotheses derived from the model, escalating commitment occurred in both individual and group decision making. Group decision making amplified trends apparent at the individual level in terms of the frequency with which escalation occurred and its severity. Although the results are consistent with a prospect-theory-based explanation of escalating commitment at two levels of analysis, support for the self-justification approach was also found. Motives for self-justification, however, do not appear to be a necessary condition for escalation to occur.