---
title: "Respect Apathy in Decision-Making"
source: "https://virtualddd.com/heuristics/respect-apathy-in-decision-making/"
authors: ["Kenny Baas-Schwegler", "Andrea Magnorsky", "Andrew Harmel-Law"]
tags: ["sociotechnical systems", "conflict management", "facilitating software architecture and design", "decision-making process"]
type: "value based heuristics"
question: "How should we handle team members who consistently remain silent or disengaged during decision-making processes?"
submitter: "Kenny Schwegler"
---

# Respect Apathy in Decision-Making

Recognise that not all team members want to be involved in every architectural decision, and this is acceptable. Forcing participation can be counterproductive; their silence may indicate a lower psychological safety or a preference to focus elsewhere. The goal is to provide the opportunity to contribute, not to compel it.

## Example

A facilitator learned that pushing silent team members to speak was ineffective, realising that it is okay for some to not want to get involved in a particular decision.