Logic of Collective Action

The Logic of Collective Action explains why individuals often don’t participate in group efforts that benefit everyone, like environmental conservation or public safety. Since the benefits are shared regardless of personal effort, individuals might choose to free-ride, relying on others to do the work. This can lead to under-provision of the good or service. People are more likely to contribute if there are clear benefits, small group size, or incentives that motivate participation. Understanding this helps explain challenges in organizing collective efforts and highlights the importance of incentives, trust, and coordination to achieve shared goals.