Group think

Definition

Group think is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony or conformity in a group leads to irrational decision-making. Members of the group suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and prioritize consensus over the quality of the decision. This often results in flawed outcomes, as individual creativity and critical thinking are stifled within the collective atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Group think can lead to disastrous results, as seen in historical events like the Bay of Pigs invasion, where critical voices were silenced in favor of consensus.
2. The phenomenon is more likely to occur in highly cohesive groups that value unity and conformity over open discussion and debate.
3. Symptoms of group think include illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, and self-censorship among group members.
4. Leaders can inadvertently encourage group think by promoting a strong desire for consensus or by dismissing opposing viewpoints too quickly.
5. To mitigate group think, it's important to encourage open dialogue, invite outside opinions, and create an environment where dissenting voices are valued.

Review Questions

• How can understanding the concept of group think improve the brainstorming process in creative teams?
  • Recognizing group think can help creative teams foster a more open environment during brainstorming sessions. By being aware of this phenomenon, team members can actively encourage diverse opinions and challenge prevailing ideas. This approach ensures that all voices are heard and considered, ultimately leading to more innovative and effective solutions.
• What strategies can be implemented to reduce the impact of group think during collaborative idea generation sessions?
  • To reduce the impact of group think, teams can implement strategies such as designating a 'devil's advocate' to challenge ideas, encouraging anonymous feedback, and inviting external facilitators to guide discussions. By creating an atmosphere where questioning and constructive criticism are welcomed, teams can break free from conformity and enhance their creative output.
• Evaluate the consequences of group think on the overall quality of ideas produced during brainstorming sessions and suggest ways to counteract these effects.
  • Group think can severely diminish the quality of ideas generated during brainstorming sessions as it stifles critical thinking and innovation. When team members prioritize consensus over creativity, they may overlook valuable insights or solutions. To counteract these effects, leaders should promote a culture that values diverse perspectives, implement structured techniques like round-robin sharing, and set clear expectations for open dialogue. This approach not only enhances the brainstorming process but also leads to more robust decision-making.

Related terms

Consensus Decision-Making: A process where group members come to an agreement on a decision, often prioritizing group harmony over individual opinions.

Social Loafing: A tendency for individuals to put in less effort when working in a group than when working alone, which can contribute to poor group performance.

Echo Chamber: A situation where beliefs are amplified or reinforced by communication and repetition within a defined system, leading to a lack of exposure to differing viewpoints.