Future overcommitment due to perception of resource slack (Cognitive drivers)

Overcommitment due to perception of resource slack is a cognitive phenomenon in which people overestimate the amount of resources that are available to them. This can lead to people taking on more tasks than they can realistically complete in the time allotted, or committing to time frames for completing tasks that are too short to realistically be achieved. This may be due to a lack of accurate information about the resources at their disposal, or from a feeling of false optimism about their abilities or the abilities of their team. In some cases, this can be compounded by a lack of accountability or responsibility from managers or other supervisors. This can lead to an environment in which it is difficult to effectively allocate resources and complete tasks on time.