Groupthink

• Groupthink occurs when the members of a group prioritise the strong bonds of the group over clear decision-making.
• When groupthink occurs within a group, there is tendency to evaluate every decision or judgement in relation to how it could influence the cohesion of the group, which leads to close-mindedness.
• Unity of a group can prevent clear decision-making.
• Symptoms of Groupthink:

  • Invulnerability
  • Rationale
  • Morality
  • Stereotypes
  • Pressure
  • Self-censorship
  • Unanimity
  • Mindguards
• Invulnerability

  (feeling unable to be harmed)

  • members of the group develop an illusion of invulnerability, which encourages excessive levels of optimism and leads to risk-taking behaviours
• Rationale

  (rationalising reasons for a course of action)

  • members of the group discount warnings and downplay negative feedback that could challenge the assumptions of the group
• Morality

  (distinguishing between right and wrong)

  • members of the group believe that they are morally justified in their decisions, consequently ignoring the possible ethical consequences of their actions
• Stereotypes

  (applying widely head, over-simplified views about a particular group)

  • members of the group apply negative stereotypical views to people in an opposing group
  • for example, they may perceive them as inherently bad, weak, untrustworthy, or stupid
• Pressure

  (using persuasion and coercion)

  • members of the group apply direct pressure to any member who expresses doubt, or opposing views or opinions
• Self-censorship

  (remaining quiet to avoid criticism)

  • members of the group actively avoid challenging the group consensus.
  • they may do this by remaining silent or by downplaying their doubts
• Unanimity

  (expecting agreement by all people involved)

  • members of the group believe that the decisions of the group are shared by all
  • by extension, remaining silent during a discussion is taken to mean that the individual is in full support of the group
• Mindguards

  (filtering out any negative information)

  • members of the group adopt the role of 'mindguards' to prevent the leader and members of the group from exposure to information that challenges the decision-making of the group
• Close-knit groups are likely to show the symptoms and experience the consequences of groupthink
• What role should each member be given to prevent groupthink?

  'Critical evaluator'
• Why should the leader not share their opinion before the group starts work?


  To avoid influencing the group's decision-making process
• How can members discuss the group's progress during the decision-making process?


  By talking with someone they trust
• What is one way to include external perspectives in group meetings?

  Invite experts who are not part of the group
• What is the purpose of having at least one member play 'devil's advocate' during meetings?


  To critically evaluate the group's progress
• What should the group consider when a decision affects others?

  The consequences of its decision and the likely response from those affected