Groupthink, a theory
developed by
psychologist Irving Janis
in the 1970s, describes a
phenomenon where a
group's desire for
consensus and harmony
can override its
motivation to critically
evaluate alternative
courses of action, leading
to poor decision-making.
Here's a more detailed
explanation:
The Core Idea:
When group members prioritize conformity and maintaining a sense of unity
over realistic and objective analysis, they may suppress dissenting opinions,
ignore external perspectives, and make decisions that are not in their best
interest.
Antecedents of Groupthink:
Several factors can contribute to the development of groupthink, including
strong group cohesiveness, insulation from outside opinions, directive
leadership, and high stress levels.
Symptoms of Groupthink:
Groupthink is often characterized by several symptoms, including:
Illusion of Invulnerability: An overconfident belief that the
group cannot fail.
Unquestioned Beliefs: A lack of critical questioning of the
group's values and assumptions.
Self-Censorship: Members refrain from expressing dissenting
opinions.
Mindguards: Group members actively protect the leader from
potentially damaging information.
Pressure to Conform: Direct pressure on dissenting group
members to conform.
Consequences of Groupthink:
Groupthink can lead to irrational decisions, failure to consider alternative
solutions, and ultimately, negative outcomes for the group.
