Groupthink

Cards (19)

  • 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