what are the symptoms of group think

To deal with the herd mentality problem, here are the 8 symptoms of groupthink from The Little Book of Behavioral Investing by James Montier:

• An illusion of invulnerability: Members ignore danger, take extreme risk and are overly optimistic.
• Collective rationalization: Members discredit and explain away warning contrary to group thinking.
• Belief in inherent morality: Members discredit and explain away warning contrary to group thinking.

More items...

Full Answer

What are the symptoms of groupthink?

These ‘symptoms’ were developed by Janis to show the way groupthink influences individuals and teams. These symptoms display a need for team improvement. Here are a few of the symptoms of groupthink: Self-censorship: Individuals in a team will remain quiet about views that are contrary to the ideas and decisions the group has decided on.

What are the effects of groupthink on decision making?

This tendency to seek consensus above all else also means that group members may not adequately assess the potential risks and benefits of a decision. Groupthink also tends to lead group members to perceive the group as inherently moral or right. Stereotyped beliefs about other groups can contribute to this biased sense of rightness.

What is groupthink in the workplace?

He describes Groupthink as a situation whereby each member of the group attempts to match their opinions on what they believe to be the current consensus of the group. The result of a team having Groupthink as a practice or habit is that the team can make bad or irrational decisions.

How to improve your team and avoid groupthink?

Here are some ways you can improve your team and avoid groupthink: 1. Cultivate a sharing environment It is important to create an environment that encourages participation and sharing.

How many symptoms are there in groupthink?

eight symptomsThe eight symptoms of groupthink include an illusion of invulnerability or of the inability to be wrong, the collective rationalization of the group's decisions, an unquestioned belief in the morality of the group and its choices, stereotyping of the relevant opponents or out-group members, and the presence of “ ...

What are five characteristics of groupthink?

Characteristics of Groupthink He argued that eight traits were characteristic of groupthink: Denial of vulnerability – group members may not be willing to acknowledge their own fallibility or vulnerability. Rationalization of decisions to minimize objections. Belief in the absolute goodness of the group.

What are the symptoms of group think and give an example of each?

Key Points. Groupthink occurs when everyone agrees in order to keep the group harmony. One of the disadvantages of Groupthink is that there is no debate, so poor ideas are used. One famous example of Groupthink is that of the Bay of Pigs under JFK.

What are the potential symptoms of group thinking?

Potential PitfallsBlindness to potentially negative outcomes.Failure to listen to people with dissenting opinions.Lack of creativity.Lack of preparation to deal with negative outcomes.Ignoring important information.Inability to see other solutions.Not looking for things that might not yet be known to the group.More items...•

What is a common example of groupthink?

Two well-known examples of Groupthink in action are the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster and the Bay of Pigs invasion. Engineers of the space shuttle knew about some faulty parts months before takeoff, but they did not want negative press so they pushed ahead with the launch anyway.

What's an example of groupthink?

The essence of group-think is that groups create psychological pressure on individuals to conform to the views of leaders and other members. Famous examples of group-think include the decision of the US to invade Cuba in 1961 and Coca-Cola's decision to launch “New Coke” in 1985.

What is an example of groupthink in the workplace?

A well-known example of Groupthink in the workplace can be found in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Before the launch, some engineers on the project raised concerns about the ability of the O-ring seals to withstand the launch temperatures, and so they opposed the launch.

What does groupthink mean?

Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when a group of individuals reaches a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of the consequences or alternatives. Groupthink is based on a common desire not to upset the balance of a group of people.

What is meant by groupthink?

Group think (also spelled groupthink) is a phenomenon that occurs when group's need for consensus supersedes the judgment of individual group members.

What is not a symptom of groupthink?

A sense of invulnerability is not one of the symptoms of "groupthink."

What are the symptoms of groupthink and how does a team member avoid it?

Here are a few of the symptoms of groupthink: Self-censorship: Individuals in a team will remain quiet about views that are contrary to the ideas and decisions the group has decided on. Collective rationalization: Team members won't reconsider their beliefs and they will ignore warning signs.

Why does groupthink happen?

Groupthink occurs when people's desire to maintain group loyalty becomes more important than making the best choices. People often find it hard to think and act independently in group situations.

What is an example of groupthink in the workplace?

A well-known example of Groupthink in the workplace can be found in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Before the launch, some engineers on the project raised concerns about the ability of the O-ring seals to withstand the launch temperatures, and so they opposed the launch.

What are the three characteristics that affect decision-making by a group?

Identify the problem or opportunity.Think of alternative solutions.Evaluate alternatives and select a solution.Implement and evaluate the solution chosen.

What does groupthink mean?

Groupthink is a phenomenon that occurs when a group of individuals reaches a consensus without critical reasoning or evaluation of the consequences or alternatives. Groupthink is based on a common desire not to upset the balance of a group of people.

What is another word for groupthink?

herd mentalityIt's also known as herd mentality or groupthink, where we assume an action is appropriate because others are performing it.

What is stereotyped view of out-groups?

Stereotyped views of out-groups: The group constructs negative stereotypes of rivals outside the group.

How to get honest feedback on your ideas?

Talk your ideas through with a trusted outside source that will give you honest feedback.

Is groupthink bad for investing?

From an investing standpoint groupthink isn’t always a bad thing as markets tend to trend for long periods of time. But it can hurt your performance, especially at the extremes in investor sentiment, when you put the blinders on and assume that the crowd will be right always and forever.

How many symptoms of groupthink are there?

To help people identify when Groupthink is occurring, Irving Janis devised eight symptoms that are indicative of Groupthink. We will go over each of them in detail.

What is groupthink in psychology?

He describes Groupthink as a situation whereby each member of the group attempts to match their opinions on what they believe to be the current consensus of the group. The result of a team having Groupthink as a practice or habit is that the team can make bad or irrational decisions. Another result is that dissenting opinions do not come out into the open to be discussed. Or other options that may be more beneficial are not reviewed.

How does groupthink affect morality?

The group may rationalize that their moral compass points at a truer North than others. By taking this stance, the Groupthink symptom of “belief in the inherent morality of the group” overrides that of other groups. The group has used their moral compass or view of ethics to position themselves as more moral or ethical than others. By so doing, they become isolated from societal norms taking on the moral morns of their Groupthink.In some cases, this form of Groupthink has increased the judgment others place upon the group thereby having them suffer from the ethical or moral consequences of their decisions. An example of this is corporations using child labor or cheap labor to produce goods. The leaders who made the decisions at one time or another must have known that these practices were not morally correct. But, they justified their decisions in management meetings where Groupthink ruled. Their Groupthink Moral compass may have pointed to their fiduciary responsibility. To their stockholders to make more money rather than society’s judgment of how best to treat fellow human beings.

What is groupthink in politics?

This occurs when members are pressured not to express arguments against any of the group’s views. If group members show any dissent or disagreement with an idea held by the group, the members who agree with the majority will persuade pressure, compel, or coerce others until they comply. This is not limited to dissenters, ambivalent, and neutral members are also forced to conform to the Groupthink of the majority. This type of Groupthink is prevalent in political parties. Close-knit departments. And in areas where people tend to perform the same job functions. The direct result of this behavior is an increase of stress in the group. This is particularly true of the people who realize one or two members of the team are coerced against their will when they step up and let this behavior continue without intervention.A recent example of this symptom occurred prior to the collapse of Enron. People knew that individuals were pressured to go along with the corporation’s direct. Even when they knew the directives were wrong. This caused stress on many levels. However, those who exhibited the most stress were those who knew what was wrong. Unfortunately, they stood by and let this happen to their coworkers.

What is the final signal that Groupthink is occurring in?

The final signal that Groupthink is occurring in is the presence of “self-appointed, mind guards”. These people will shield the group from dissenting opinions that threaten the group. Information may is filtered before it reaches the group.

Is groupthink difficult to overcome?

Obviously, Groupthink is difficult to identify and even more difficult to overcome. Unless the organization’s leaders take an active role in making certain Groupthink is monitored and corrected when appropriate. In order to do this, people need to understand what Groupthink is. To help people identify when Groupthink is occurring, ...

What is groupthink in psychology?

The concept "groupthink," coined by Social Psychologist Irving Janis, describes a psychological phenomenon that happens when a well-intentioned group works together to make decisions and aims for harmony and consensus. Janis outlined the symptoms of groupthink to demonstrate how it affects people and organizations, which include:

What is groupthink in an organization?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon occurring among team members who aim for group consensus regardless of whether the group members agree on the matter. While achieving a team consensus can be useful, groupthink is best avoided while developing new ideas. Understanding how you can identify groupthink within an organization and how you can correct it helps ensure your team is performing optimally. In this article, we explore groupthink, state the symptoms of groupthink within an organization, discuss how you can fix it, and offer useful tools to avoid groupthink within your team.

What is groupthink?

Groupthink is a phenomenon where a group's consensus, rather than a collection of individual opinions, determines issues and decisions within the group. In this situation, the need for group cohesion can limit good decision-making and problem-solving. Groupthink happens when a group makes poor or inefficient judgments to reach an agreement. Organizations assume decisions made by groups may be more comprehensive than judgments made by an individual. When companies prioritize group opinions over individual viewpoints, groupthink can continue to develop in those organizations.

What is groupthink in business?

Groupthink is a phenomenon where a group's consensus, rather than a collection of individual opinions, determines issues and decisions within the group. In this situation, the need for group cohesion can limit good decision-making and problem-solving. Groupthink happens when a group makes poor or inefficient judgments to reach an agreement. Organizations assume decisions made by groups may be more comprehensive than judgments made by an individual. When companies prioritize group opinions over individual viewpoints, groupthink can continue to develop in those organizations.

Why do people avoid confrontation?

Typically, humans avoid confrontation and disagreements, especially when the people involved are coworkers who interact with one another daily. When you notice that a group of individuals within a team avoids confrontation, this may be a result of groupthink. Employees often form friendly relationships with one another, even outside of work, making the workplace feel like a community. They may prefer to withhold any dissatisfaction, rather than separate themselves from their coworkers by disagreeing.

How to help a team in an argument?

Contributing to all sides of an argument as a leader is an important practice. Test your team's opinions to discover their real thoughts about a decision-making problem. This can provide an array of positive and negative considerations that you may have overlooked otherwise. When you encourage your team to be critical, you improve the brainstorming or decision-making process by creating more possibilities, which leads to great team-building and employee ownership of decision-making results.

Why do people resist sharing their opinions?

Some team members may resist sharing their views, opinions, or ideas if they contradict the company's ideals or principles to maintain the security of their employment. As a team leader, it's wise to pay attention to your team members' reactions to see if they hesitate to be honest when you ask for their opinion.

How do you know if you have groupthink?

Janis identified a number of different "symptoms" that indicate groupthink. 1 . Illusions of unanimity lead members to believe that everyone is in agreement and feels the same way.

Why do people engage in groupthink?

In many cases, people end up engaging in groupthink when they fear that their objections might disrupt the harmony of the group or suspect that their ideas might cause other members to reject them .

What Is Groupthink?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon in which people strive for consensus within a group. In many cases, people will set aside their own personal beliefs or adopt the opinion of the rest of the group. The term was first used in 1972 by social psychologist Irving L. Janis.

What is groupthink psychology?

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon in which people strive for consensus within a group. In many cases, people will set aside their own personal beliefs or adopt the opinion of the rest of the group. The term was first used in 1972 by social psychologist Irving L. Janis.

How does group consensus help?

Group consensus can allow groups to make decisions, complete tasks, and finish projects quickly and efficiently—but even the most harmonious groups can benefit from some challenges. 4  Finding ways to reduce groupthink can improve decision-making and assure amicable relationships within the group.

What is conformity in psychology?

On the other hand, conformity is a process in which people change their own actions so they can fit in with a specific group. Conformity can sometimes cause groupthink, but it isn't always the motivating factor.

How to prevent groupthink?

Initially, the leader of the group should avoid stating their opinions or preferences when assigning tasks. Give people time to come up with their own ideas first.

How do you know if you are a group in groupthink?

Individual members of the group self-censoring —especially if they fear being shunned or derided for speaking their mind —is one potential sign that the group may engage in groupthink. If those who do dissent are pressured to recant or conform to the majority view, it may similarly signal groupthink. Groups that actively deride “outsiders” may be more likely to fall prey.

How to recognize groupthink?

To recognize groupthink, it's useful to identify the situations in which it's most likely to occur. When groups feel threatened—either physically or through threats to their identity — they may develop a strong “us versus them” mentality.

How are groupthink and conformity related?

Groupthink and conformity are related but distinct concepts. Groupthink specifically refers to a process of decision-making; it can be motivated by a desire to conform, but isn’t always. Conformity, on the other hand, pertains to individuals who (intentionally or unintentionally) shift their behaviors, appearances, or beliefs to sync up to those of the group.

What is groupthink in business?

While it is often invoked at the level of geopolitics or within business organizations, groupthink can also refer to subtler processes of social or ideological conformity, such as participating in bullying or rationalizing a poor decision being made by one's friends.

Why is groupthink beneficial?

Since groupthink often occurs because group members fear disagreeing with the leader, it can be beneficial for the leader to temporarily step back and allow members to debate the issue themselves. One member of the team can be appointed as “devil’s advocate,” who will argue against the consensus to highlight potential flaws.

How to minimize the risk of groupthink?

To minimize the risk, it's critical to allow enough time for issues to be fully discussed, and for as many group members as possible to share their thoughts. When dissent is encouraged, groupthink is less likely to occur. Learning about common cognitive biases, as well as how to identify them, may also reduce the likelihood of groupthink.

What are some examples of groupthink?

Risky or disastrous military maneuvers, such as the escalation of the Vietnam War or the invasion of Iraq, are commonly cited as instances of groupthink. In Janis’ original article, he highlighted groupthink during the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion.

What are some examples of group think?

Some famous examples of group – think are the Challenger space shuttle disaster and the Bay of Pigs invasion. It has been reported that the engineers of the space shuttle knew about some faulty parts months before takeoff, but in order to avoid negative press, they went ahead with the launch anyway. In the second case, President Kennedy made a decision and the people around him supported it despite having their own doubts.

What is group thinking?

Groupthink is an occurrence where by a group comes to a unanimous decision about a possible action despite the existence of fact that points to another correct course of action. This term was first given by Irving Janis who was a social psychologist.

What happens when there is a strong, persuasive group leader, a high level of group cohesion and intense?

According to Janis Groupthink happens when there is a strong, persuasive group leader, a high level of group cohesion and intense pressure from the outside to make a good decision.

What to do when group think is detected?

If at any point group – think is detected, go back to the beginning and recheck the initial alternatives, discuss in the group about the threats of group – think and then make an active effort to increase the effectiveness of decision making by analysing all angles.

What is groupthinking in psychology?

In groupthink, the members of the group place emphasis on everyone agreeing and feel threatened if all do not agree on a course of action. This results on better options being overlooked, people overcoming their basic thoughts of providing alternatives, critiques or a new opinion. This results in poor decision making, unmet goals and problem solving.

What is the belief that whatever the group does it will be right as they all know the difference between right and wrong?

Belief in Inherent morality of the group: There is a belief that whatever the group does it will be right as they all know the difference between right and wrong. This cause them to overlook the consequences of what they decide.

Why is it important to avoid groupthink?

To avoid Groupthink, it is important to have a process in place for checking the fundamental assumptions behind important decisions, for validating the decision-making process, and for evaluating the risks involved. It is important to explore objectives and alternatives, encourage challenging of ideas, have back –up plans, etc.