Groupthink

Definition

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity within a group leads to irrational or dysfunctional decision-making. In this situation, members suppress dissenting viewpoints, fail to critically analyze alternatives, and prioritize consensus over the quality of the decision. This often results in poor choices and can have serious implications for an organization’s effectiveness and overall governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Groupthink often occurs in highly cohesive groups where the desire for consensus outweighs individual critical thinking.
2. Key symptoms of groupthink include self-censorship, an illusion of unanimity, and direct pressure on dissenters to conform.
3. Leaders can unintentionally encourage groupthink by promoting a strong preference for specific outcomes or shutting down discussions that challenge their ideas.
4. Historical examples, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion, demonstrate how groupthink can lead to disastrous decisions that could have been avoided with more open dialogue.
5. To combat groupthink, organizations can implement techniques like assigning a 'devil's advocate' role, holding anonymous feedback sessions, or breaking into smaller subgroups for discussion.

Review Questions

• How does groupthink affect decision-making processes within a board of directors?
  • Groupthink negatively impacts decision-making within a board of directors by stifling diverse opinions and critical discussion. When board members prioritize consensus over scrutiny, they may overlook important information or fail to explore alternative strategies. This can lead to suboptimal decisions that do not adequately reflect the organization's best interests, ultimately undermining effective governance.
• What are some specific symptoms of groupthink that might emerge during board meetings, and how can they be identified?
  • Symptoms of groupthink during board meetings include self-censorship among members who hold differing opinions, an illusion of unanimity where dissent is absent or ignored, and pressure applied to those who voice concerns. Identifying these symptoms involves observing non-verbal cues of discomfort, lack of engagement from certain members, and discussions that quickly align without thorough examination of differing viewpoints. Recognizing these signs is crucial for promoting a culture of open communication and effective decision-making.
• Evaluate strategies that boards can implement to minimize the risk of groupthink and improve overall decision-making effectiveness.
  • To minimize groupthink, boards should foster an environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and valued. Implementing strategies like appointing a devil's advocate to challenge ideas, encouraging anonymous input to mitigate peer pressure, and breaking into smaller discussion groups can enhance critical analysis. Additionally, promoting a culture that rewards constructive disagreement can help create a more dynamic decision-making process. By prioritizing thorough evaluation over quick consensus, boards can make more informed decisions that benefit the organization.

Related terms

Cohesiveness: The degree to which group members bond and work together, often contributing to the likelihood of groupthink when strong cohesiveness discourages dissent.

Decisional Conflict: A situation in which group members disagree about the decisions being made, which can help prevent groupthink by encouraging open discussion and critical evaluation.

Social Loafing: The tendency for individuals to put in less effort when working in a group than when working alone, which can exacerbate groupthink by reducing individual accountability.