Groupthink

Definition

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, where the desire for harmony and conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. Members prioritize consensus over critical evaluation, which can lead to poor choices and the suppression of dissenting viewpoints. This can happen in various settings, from workplaces to social groups, and often leads to a lack of innovation and a failure to consider alternative solutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Groupthink was first identified by social psychologist Irving Janis in the 1970s and is characterized by a lack of critical thinking and self-censorship among group members.
2. Common symptoms of groupthink include an illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, and pressure on dissenters, leading to the suppression of opposing viewpoints.
3. Groupthink can result in disastrous outcomes, as seen in historical events like the Bay of Pigs invasion, where group members ignored warning signs due to consensus-seeking behavior.
4. To prevent groupthink, leaders can encourage open dialogue, assign a 'devil's advocate' to challenge ideas, and create an environment where dissent is valued.
5. Diverse teams are less susceptible to groupthink because they bring different perspectives and experiences, fostering more robust discussions and better decision-making.

Review Questions

• How does groupthink influence decision-making within a team?
  • Groupthink influences decision-making by prioritizing consensus over critical evaluation of alternatives. In a team experiencing groupthink, members may suppress dissenting opinions or fail to address potential risks in order to maintain harmony. This can lead to poor decisions that do not reflect thorough analysis or consideration of all available options.
• What strategies can be implemented to counteract the effects of groupthink in organizational settings?
  • To counteract groupthink in organizations, leaders should encourage open communication and create an environment where all team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Assigning a 'devil's advocate' can help challenge prevailing ideas and stimulate discussion. Additionally, seeking input from external experts or facilitating anonymous feedback can help ensure diverse viewpoints are considered before making decisions.
• Evaluate the role of group diversity in mitigating groupthink and enhancing decision-making quality.
  • Group diversity plays a crucial role in mitigating groupthink by introducing a variety of perspectives that challenge conformity. When team members come from different backgrounds and have varied experiences, they are more likely to question assumptions and present alternative viewpoints. This diversity leads to richer discussions, encourages critical thinking, and ultimately enhances the quality of decision-making by reducing the likelihood that the group will settle on a suboptimal consensus.

Related terms

Conformity: The act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms, which can influence individuals to go along with the majority even against their better judgment.

Social Loafing: A phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone, often due to a diffusion of responsibility.

Group Polarization: The tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of its members, often due to discussions that reinforce shared beliefs.