The NFF and Escalation of Commitment
Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2021 6:44 am
Escalation of commitment describes our tendency to remain committed to our past behaviors, particularly those exhibited publicly, even if they do not have desirable outcomes.
When we dedicate ourselves to a plan, and it isn't going as we hoped, our first instinct isn't usually to rethink it. Instead, we tend to double down and sink more resources in the plan.
We persist with failing strategies when one has to pivot. NFF managers keep investing in new contracts. Politicians continue sending soldiers to wars that didn't need to be fought in the first place. Sunk costs are a factor, but the most important cause of this pattern is psychological rather than economic. Escalation of commitment happens because we are rationalizing creatures, constantly reaching for self justifications for our prior beliefs as a way to sooth our egos, shield our images, and validate past decisions.
Gernot Rohr should have been let go after World Cup 2018. But the infinitesimal wisdom and decision making of the Pinnick-led NFF has ensured we have wasted the past 3 years.
The damage has been done.
The next (interim) coach of Nigeria, players, administrators, and fans of Nigerian football must face the facts, and come to the conclusion that the 3 group games (and possibly 2 extra more) at the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should be seen and executed as friendlies in preparation for the Qatar WC qualifier(s). The AFCON tournament should be the rebuilding tournament were team belief, confidence, character, and positive mentality restored.
When we dedicate ourselves to a plan, and it isn't going as we hoped, our first instinct isn't usually to rethink it. Instead, we tend to double down and sink more resources in the plan.
We persist with failing strategies when one has to pivot. NFF managers keep investing in new contracts. Politicians continue sending soldiers to wars that didn't need to be fought in the first place. Sunk costs are a factor, but the most important cause of this pattern is psychological rather than economic. Escalation of commitment happens because we are rationalizing creatures, constantly reaching for self justifications for our prior beliefs as a way to sooth our egos, shield our images, and validate past decisions.
Gernot Rohr should have been let go after World Cup 2018. But the infinitesimal wisdom and decision making of the Pinnick-led NFF has ensured we have wasted the past 3 years.
The damage has been done.
The next (interim) coach of Nigeria, players, administrators, and fans of Nigerian football must face the facts, and come to the conclusion that the 3 group games (and possibly 2 extra more) at the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should be seen and executed as friendlies in preparation for the Qatar WC qualifier(s). The AFCON tournament should be the rebuilding tournament were team belief, confidence, character, and positive mentality restored.