3

In this Dilbert comic strip from 09/27/2015...

Dilbert comic

(Strip source: http://dilbert.com/strip/2015-09-27)

...the C.E.O. says in the last square:

I just need buy-in for the strategy

What does "buy-in" mean in this context and why is it used here (i.e. is it a case of using a term that is normally used in some similar but different context)?

Improve this question
5
  • 1
    I think it comes from card games when the right to play a hand is "bought" by each player before the cards are dealt. The agreement to pay a fee (in the business world expressed by effort or time) is the "buy-in" - as in "I am paying to be counted in".
    – Victor Bazarov
    Sep 29, 2015 at 17:27
  • This appears to be a colloquialism used mostly in the US: Oxford
    – John B
    Sep 29, 2015 at 19:21
  • @JohnB it is even a common loanword (or should I say loanwords?) in Dutch.
    – Glorfindel ♦
    Sep 29, 2015 at 21:03
  • @Glorfindel Interesting. I wonder where else it might be commonly used.
    – John B
    Sep 29, 2015 at 21:20
  • buy in #2.
    – user3169
    Sep 29, 2015 at 21:57

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

Buy-in would refer to the business being on board with the proposal.

I just need buy-in for the strategy

In this instance, the co-worker has an idea that will fix the declining revenue, if he can only convince the decision makers to support him, he can then implement his strategy with company backing. (Not necessarily financial backing)

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Actually, the bald-headed guy is the CEO of the company, and he is the decision maker. In this case he's asking for cooperation from the lower-ranking employees.
    – WhatRoughBeast
    Sep 29, 2015 at 22:35
  • The egg-headed guy is the CEO, and he is trying to con his employees to trust his new strategy (which Dilbert correctly dismisses together with the con). Wally (being Wally) asks for a raise because he does not care about the company or doing his job right, just increasing his paycheck.
    – Peter M. - stands for Monica
    Mar 11, 2016 at 17:54
2

Cambridge Dictionary definition of buy-in - the ​fact of ​agreeing with and ​accepting something that someone ​suggests: If you ​want to go ​ahead with these ​plans, you'll need buy-in from the ​employees.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .