"The Logic of Collective Action" (book)

"The Logic of Collective Action," written by Mancur Olson, explores how individuals in groups act when pursuing common interests. Olson argues that while cooperation can benefit everyone, individuals often hesitate to contribute because they can benefit from the group's efforts without contributing, known as the "free-rider problem." This leads to under-provision of public goods, as people may rely on others to take action. The book emphasizes the importance of effective organization and incentives to encourage participation and achieve collective goals, highlighting the challenges groups face in mobilizing individuals toward a common purpose.