Meaning: The quote "The Law of Triviality... briefly stated, it means that the time spent on any item of the agenda will be in inverse proportion to the sum involved" by C. Parkinson highlights the concept known as Parkinson's Law of Triviality, also referred to as bike-shedding or the bicycle-shed example. This concept was first introduced by C. Northcote Parkinson, a British historian, in his book "Parkinson's Law: The Pursuit of Progress" published in 1957. The book delves into various aspects of organizational behavior and decision-making within bureaucracies, and the Law of Triviality is one of the notable concepts discussed.

The Law of Triviality revolves around the idea that people within organizations tend to give disproportionate attention to trivial matters while neglecting more important and complex issues. The concept is illustrated through an allegorical story that involves a committee's decision-making process regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant, a bike shed, and a tea kettle. In the story, the committee spends an inordinate amount of time and energy discussing the design and color of a bike shed, a seemingly trivial matter, while devoting far less attention to the more complex and critical issue of the nuclear power plant design.

This concept is rooted in the psychological and sociological dynamics of group decision-making processes. It suggests that individuals may feel more comfortable and confident expressing their opinions and contributing to discussions on trivial matters, as they are more accessible and understandable to a wider range of participants. Consequently, trivial matters often attract prolonged and often unnecessary attention, leading to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making processes.

The Law of Triviality has implications for organizational behavior and management. It emphasizes the need for effective leadership and facilitation to guide discussions and decision-making processes, ensuring that appropriate attention is given to significant issues. It also underscores the importance of prioritizing and allocating resources based on the relative importance and complexity of different agenda items.

In the context of project management, the Law of Triviality serves as a cautionary reminder to project leaders and team members to remain vigilant against the tendency to overly focus on minor details at the expense of more critical aspects of a project. It underscores the need for clear prioritization and effective communication to ensure that time and resources are allocated appropriately, maximizing the impact and success of the project.

Moreover, the concept of the Law of Triviality has relevance beyond organizational contexts. It can be observed in various aspects of everyday life, from personal decision-making to public policy discussions. The tendency to prioritize trivial matters over more significant issues is a common phenomenon that can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for progress.

In conclusion, the quote by C. Parkinson encapsulates the essence of the Law of Triviality, a concept that sheds light on the dynamics of decision-making and resource allocation within organizations. By understanding and acknowledging the implications of this concept, individuals and organizations can strive to overcome the natural tendency to disproportionately focus on trivial matters and instead direct attention and resources towards more significant and impactful endeavors.