Groupthink

Definition

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity in a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. It often results in a loss of individual critical thinking as group members prioritize consensus over the quality of their decisions, affecting various aspects of social judgment, memory, influence, group dynamics, and cultural behaviors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Groupthink can lead to poor decision-making because it suppresses dissenting viewpoints and critical evaluation of alternatives.
2. Symptoms of groupthink include an illusion of invulnerability, collective rationalization, and self-censorship among group members.
3. It often occurs in cohesive groups where the pressure to maintain consensus is high, such as in corporate boards or governmental committees.
4. Leadership plays a significant role in either promoting or preventing groupthink; leaders who encourage open dialogue help mitigate its effects.
5. Cultural factors can influence the prevalence of groupthink, with collectivist cultures being more prone to it due to a higher emphasis on group harmony.

Review Questions

• How does groupthink affect the decision-making process within a cohesive group?
  • Groupthink affects decision-making by prioritizing consensus and harmony over critical analysis and independent thought. When members of a cohesive group are overly concerned with maintaining relationships and avoiding conflict, they may overlook important information or fail to consider alternative viewpoints. This leads to suboptimal decisions, as the group ignores dissenting opinions that could improve outcomes.
• What are some signs of groupthink, and how can leaders intervene to prevent it?
  • Signs of groupthink include an illusion of invulnerability among members, collective rationalization that dismisses warnings or negative feedback, and self-censorship where individuals suppress their own doubts. Leaders can intervene by encouraging open communication and dissenting opinions, structuring discussions to allow for diverse perspectives, and emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation. This approach fosters an environment where all members feel safe to share their thoughts.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural dimensions on the likelihood of groupthink occurring within groups.
  • Cultural dimensions significantly impact the likelihood of groupthink as individualistic cultures tend to value independence and critical thinking, which can reduce conformity pressures. In contrast, collectivist cultures emphasize group harmony and consensus, increasing susceptibility to groupthink. Understanding these cultural influences can help organizations implement strategies that promote critical dialogue and diverse perspectives, thereby minimizing the risk of poor decision-making due to groupthink.

Related terms

Conformity:

The act of aligning attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of a group or social norm.

Social Loafing:

A phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they work alone.

Decision Fatigue: A decline in decision-making quality after an extended session of making decisions, often leading to impulsive choices.