Switching queues won’t get you there any faster

IT IS a common dilemma for those waiting at the supermarket, airport or post office – do you stay in the same queue, or switch to another nearby?

Now, scientists have finally come up with an answer. They say switching may lead to a longer wait because our reason for doing so is often irrational.

This is due to a phenomenon called “last place aversion” – a loathing for being last in line, which can make us move to another queue even when the first one was shorter.

Researchers found those at the back of a queue are 20% less satisfied than anyone else in the line, meaning they often swap. This also means we are more likely to stay put if others are behind us.

The Harvard Business School scientists say if you move for the irrational reason of simply being last, you are likely to extend your waiting time – and are four times more likely just to give up altogether.

They said the pressure of being at the back of a queue could lead us to make poor decisions.

“It’s nuts because the number of people behind you has nothing to do with how long you are going to wait, but it shapes our behaviour,” lead researcher Ryan Buell said.

“If we are in last place, we are almost 20% less satisfied than if someone is behind us.”

Those who earn less or consider themselves at the bottom of the social pile may be particularly likely to suffer from last place aversion. – Daily Mail