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Indecision and the construction of self

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  • Newark, Daniel A.

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretically grounded definition of indecision and considers one of indecision’s potential functions. It argues that, despite a reputation as mere choice pathology, indecision may play an important role in identity formation and maintenance. In particular, the contemplations and conversations characteristic of indecision may help construct, discover, or affirm who one is, even if ostensibly they are intended only to clarify what one should do. In addition to positing an underexplored function of indecision, the possibility that indecision facilitates identity development suggests that concentrated identity work need not be an explicit objective or even a process of which one is cognizant; it can be an unwitting byproduct of frustrated attempts at choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Newark, Daniel A., 2014. "Indecision and the construction of self," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 125(2), pages 162-174.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:125:y:2014:i:2:p:162-174
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2014.07.005
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    Cited by:

    1. Nathan N. Cheek & Jacob Goebel, 2020. "What does it mean to maximize? “Decision difficulty,†indecisiveness, and the jingle-jangle fallacies in the measurement of maximizing," Judgment and Decision Making, Society for Judgment and Decision Making, vol. 15(1), pages 7-24, January.
    2. repec:cup:judgdm:v:15:y:2020:i:1:p:7-24 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Daniel A Newark, 2020. "Desire and pleasure in choice," Rationality and Society, , vol. 32(2), pages 168-196, May.
    4. Daniel A. Levinthal & Claus Rerup, 2021. "The Plural of Goal: Learning in a World of Ambiguity," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 32(3), pages 527-543, May.

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