In the concept of “tyranny of the or,” what is one belief that companies often fall prey to?

The concept of “tyranny of the or” describes a mindset where organizations believe they must choose between two opposing options, leading to a limited view of possibilities. The belief that control and freedom must be mutually exclusive fits perfectly within this framework. Companies may operate under the assumption that in order to maintain control, they must eliminate any form of freedom within their processes or workplace culture. This rigid thinking prevents organizations from exploring more flexible arrangements where both control and freedom can coexist, allowing for greater innovation, employee satisfaction, and adaptability.

The other choices represent perspectives that indicate a more integrated approach, suggesting that accommodating both aspects—whether in terms of change and stability, short-term and long-term goals, or innovation and tradition—can yield beneficial outcomes. These beliefs imply that it’s possible to harmonize seemingly conflicting elements, challenging the restrictive thinking associated with the "tyranny of the or."