Groupthink

Definition

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity within a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. Members prioritize consensus over critical analysis, often ignoring alternative viewpoints or dissenting opinions. This can stifle creativity and result in poor choices, especially in situations where effective problem-solving is essential.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Groupthink can occur in both formal meetings and informal settings, leading to a lack of diverse opinions and a failure to explore alternatives.
2. One of the key symptoms of groupthink is an illusion of invulnerability, where group members believe they are incapable of making mistakes.
3. Groups experiencing groupthink may suppress dissent and overlook important external information that contradicts their preferred solution.
4. High levels of cohesiveness can contribute to groupthink, as members may prioritize maintaining relationships over expressing differing views.
5. Strategies to prevent groupthink include encouraging open dialogue, inviting outside perspectives, and appointing a devil's advocate during discussions.

Review Questions

• How does cohesiveness within a group contribute to the occurrence of groupthink?
  • Cohesiveness refers to the strength of the relationships between group members, which can lead to a strong desire for harmony. When a group is highly cohesive, members may prioritize agreement and avoid conflict, resulting in groupthink. This can stifle individual opinions and critical analysis, as members might feel pressure to conform rather than share dissenting views or alternative ideas.
• In what ways can the role of a devil's advocate mitigate the effects of groupthink during meetings?
  • The devil's advocate plays an essential role in challenging the prevailing ideas and decisions of the group. By encouraging debate and presenting alternative viewpoints, this role helps ensure that all aspects of an issue are considered. This critical examination reduces the likelihood of groupthink by fostering an environment where dissenting opinions are valued, ultimately leading to more informed and balanced decision-making.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of groupthink on an organization's decision-making process and overall effectiveness.
  • Groupthink can have detrimental long-term effects on an organization by leading to repeated poor decisions and missed opportunities for innovation. When teams consistently prioritize consensus over critical evaluation, they may fail to adapt to changing circumstances or explore creative solutions. This stagnation can harm organizational effectiveness and competitiveness, as leaders might overlook valuable insights from diverse perspectives that could drive growth and improvement.

Related terms

Cohesiveness: The degree to which group members are attracted to each other and motivated to stay in the group, which can contribute to the likelihood of groupthink.

Devil's Advocate: A person assigned to intentionally challenge the group's ideas and decisions, helping to prevent groupthink by encouraging critical thinking.

Consensus: A collective agreement among group members that is often sought after during decision-making but can lead to groupthink if achieved without thorough discussion.