Groupthink

Definition

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group when the desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. Members suppress dissenting viewpoints, prioritize consensus over critical analysis, and often overlook alternative solutions. This dynamic can lead to poor choices and reinforces the power of the majority while stifling individual creativity and responsibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Groupthink often emerges in highly cohesive groups that prioritize consensus over individual opinions, making it difficult for dissenting voices to be heard.
2. Symptoms of groupthink include illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, and self-censorship among members.
3. High-stakes environments, such as religious organizations or movements, may experience heightened groupthink due to pressure to conform and maintain unity.
4. Leaders can inadvertently promote groupthink by encouraging a culture where disagreement is discouraged, which can lead to poor decision-making outcomes.
5. Groupthink can result in significant consequences, such as the failure of important initiatives or the escalation of conflicts within religious or social groups.

Review Questions

• How does cohesion within a group influence the likelihood of groupthink occurring?
  • Cohesion plays a critical role in the likelihood of groupthink because when group members feel strong ties and a sense of belonging, they may prioritize harmony over healthy debate. This desire for unity can lead to the suppression of dissenting opinions and discourage critical evaluation of decisions. As members strive for consensus, they may ignore potential risks or alternatives, ultimately resulting in poor decision-making.
• Discuss how social loafing could potentially contribute to groupthink within religious organizations.
  • Social loafing can contribute to groupthink within religious organizations by creating an environment where individuals may not feel motivated to voice their opinions or concerns. When members perceive that their contributions are less valuable because others will carry the weight of the group's decisions, they might withdraw from active participation. This withdrawal can reinforce the dominance of prevailing ideas and discourage diverse perspectives, increasing the risk of irrational decision-making as dissent goes unexpressed.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of groupthink on new religious movements and their impact on followers' beliefs and behaviors.
  • The long-term effects of groupthink on new religious movements can be profound, as it often leads followers to adopt beliefs and behaviors without critical reflection. As conformity becomes prioritized over individual thought, members may become increasingly isolated from outside viewpoints and reinforce each other's perspectives. This can create an echo chamber where radical ideas proliferate unchallenged, potentially resulting in extreme behaviors or even extremist ideologies that diverge from mainstream beliefs. Ultimately, this diminishes personal agency and fosters an environment where dissent is not only discouraged but may also be viewed as a threat to the group's cohesion.

Related terms

Cohesion: The degree to which group members are attracted to each other and want to stay in the group, which can enhance groupthink by increasing conformity.

Social Loafing: A phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to working alone, potentially leading to diminished critical evaluation of ideas.

Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses, which can exacerbate groupthink.