The Logic of Collective Action

The logic of collective action explains how individuals decide to work together for a common goal, even when their personal effort might not seem to make a difference. People often hesitate to contribute because they can benefit from the group's success without personally bearing the costs—this is called free-riding. To overcome this, groups need strategies like incentives, trust, or enforcement to motivate participation. Essentially, it explores why cooperation happens and how group members coordinate, balancing individual interests with the benefits of achieving shared objectives.