Scientific Definition
Structuring actions so that responsibility can be denied.
Plain-English Definition
Structuring actions so that responsibility can be denied.
Feynman Explanation
I did not know. Or at least, I can say I did not know.
Core Principle
Structuring actions so that responsibility can be denied.
Mechanisms
Pending editorial review.
Structuring actions so that responsibility can be denied.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Ambiguity is sometimes used to dodge responsibility.
Inputs (Triggers)
Pending editorial review.
Outputs (Behaviors)
Pending editorial review.
Behavioral Signature
I did not know. Or at least, I can say I did not know.
Examples
- A leader gives vague instructions to avoid accountability for outcomes.
- Ambiguity is sometimes used to dodge responsibility.
Pending editorial review.
Famous Experiments
Pending editorial review.
Design Principles
- Require named owners and written decision records.
Measurement Approaches
Pending editorial review.
Evidence
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
The Perverse Incentive Lens™
How this behavior is exploited — and how to redesign around it.
- Require named owners and written decision records.
Pending editorial review.
Pending editorial review.
Interactive Mini Network
Click any neighbor to re-center the graph and follow the threads of connection.
Knowledge Graph Neighbors
Auto-linked to the rest of the Human Behavior Taxonomy by family, domain, dimension, and shared keywords.
Basics first (health/finances), then depth (mastery/impact), then altruism (widening circle).
A problem whose solution requires people to change their values, beliefs, or habits — not just apply expertise.
Holding a different — and correct — set of tools than everyone else.
Someone who incites others to take illegal or rash action, often to expose or discredit them.
Sun Tzu's ancient treatise on strategy, deception, and positioning.
Conflict between belligerents with very different resources and tactics.
Start from the desired future and work backward to the steps that make it inevitable.
Winning the disputed population, not just defeating the visible opponent.
Countering hostile narratives with truthful, well-timed alternatives.
Sort situations into Clear, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, or Confused — each needs a different response.
Eroding the will to act, even when capacity remains.
Munger's principle: the surest way to get something is to deserve it.