Full Answer
What causes groupthink?
Groups that prioritize their group identity and behave coldly toward “outsiders” may be more likely to fall victim to groupthink. Organizations in...
Why can groupthink be dangerous?
Even in minor cases, groupthink triggers decisions that aren’t ideal or that ignore critical information. In highly consequential domains—like pol...
Can groupthink ever be positive?
Groupthink, by definition, results in a decision that is irrational or dangerous. It is possible, however, for teams to make decisions harmoniously...
Are groupthink and conformity the same thing?
Groupthink and conformity are related but distinct concepts. Groupthink specifically refers to a process of decision-making; it can be motivated by...
What are some major 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 group...
What are the symptoms of groupthink?
Individual members of the group self-censoring —especially if they fear being shunned or derided for speaking their mind—is one potential sign th...
What’s the best way to avoid groupthink?
Since groupthink often occurs because group members fear disagreeing with the leader , it can be beneficial for the leader to temporarily step ba...
Why is it good to allow dissent?
Healthy dissent has been linked to more creative thinking and ultimately greater innovation within organizations . Asking one person to deliberate...
Does diversity guard against groupthink?
Diversity—both demographic diversity and diversity of thought— has been shown to reduce the possibility of groupthink . Group members’ different ba...
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 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.
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 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 the consequences of groupthink?
In highly consequential domains—like politics or the military—groupthink can have much worse consequences, leading groups to ignore ethics or morals, prioritize one specific goal while ignoring countless collateral consequences, or, at worst, instigate death and destruction.
What is groupthink in 2020?
Updated April 22, 2020. Groupthink is a process through which the desire for consensus in groups can lead to poor decisions. Rather than object to them and risk losing a sense of group solidarity, members may remain silent and lend their support.
What is groupthink in psychology?
Groupthink occurs when a group values cohesiveness and unanimity more than making the right decision.
When Are Groups at Risk of Groupthink?
Groups may be more likely to experience groupthink when particular conditions are met. In particular, highly cohesive groups may be at higher risk . For example, if the group members are close to each other (if they’re friends in addition to having a working relationship, for instance) they may be hesitant to speak up and question their fellow group members’ ideas. Groupthink is also thought to be more likely when groups don’t seek out other perspectives (e.g. from outside experts).
How can groupthink be used to avoid falling victim to groupthink?
Although groupthink can hinder the ability of groups to make effective decisions, Janis suggested that there are several strategies that groups could use to avoid falling victim to groupthink. One involves encouraging group members to voice their opinions and to question the group’s thinking on an issue. Similarly, one person can be asked to be a “devil’s advocate” and point out potential pitfalls in the plan.
What are some examples of groupthink?
One famous example of groupthink was the United States’ decision to launch an attack against Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in 1961 . The attack was ultimately unsuccessful, and Janis found that many characteristics of groupthink were present among the key decision-makers. Other examples Janis examined included the United States not preparing for a potential attack on Pearl Harbor and its escalation of involvement in the Vietnam War. Since Janis developed his theory, numerous research projects have sought to test the elements of his theory. Psychologist Donelson Forsyth, who researches group processes, explains that, although not all research has supported Janis’ model, it has been highly influential in understanding how and why groups can sometimes make poor decisions.
What is the risk factor for groupthink?
Another risk factor for groupthink occurs when groups are making stressful or high-stakes decisions; in these situations, going with the group may be a safer choice than voicing a potentially controversial opinion.
How to prevent groupthink?
Another way of preventing groupthink is by seeking outside experts to offer opinions, and talking to people who are not part of the group to get their feedback on the group’s ideas.
Who is the founder of groupthink?
Have you ever thought about speaking up in a meeting and then decided against it because you did not want to appear unsupportive of the group's efforts? If so, you have probably been a victim of "Groupthink". Irving Lester Janis (26 May 1918 - 15 November 1990) was a research psychologist at Yale University and most famous for his theory of "groupthink" which described the systematic errors made by groups when taking collective decisions (Wikipedia). Janis described “groupthink” as “a mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group.
What is groupthink in real life?
A real life example of “groupthink” leading to a defective decision making is Challenger Space Shuttle disaster. This occurred on January 28,1986 launched from John F. Kennedy space centre. It was considered to be the most tragic event after John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
How to avoid groupthink?
Hence we could avoid groupthink by exploring objectives,exploring alternatives,encouraging ideas to be challenged without reprisal,examining the risks if the preferred choice is chosen,testing assumptions,gathering relevant information from outside sources,processing this information objectively,have at least one contingency plan.
Self-censorship
At best, groupthink occurs simply because people don’t think – they don’t realise they are omitting opinion, or have a blinkered viewpoint. However, most commonly, groupthink is the result of self-censorship, where an individual or group of individuals choose not to express opinion.
The pursuit of consensus
Consciously or not, groupthink will cause individuals and therefore the group to overlook opposing views, potential problems, and healthy debate in favour of consensus thinking.
The problem with groupthink
Fundamentally, groupthink is not in and of itself the problem. It can enable groups to draw on past experience to make quick decisions, and in the right circumstances, this in turn delivers efficiencies for the benefit of the group. It can be harmless and even helpful in preventing the group becoming unnecessarily paralysed by debate.
Combatting groupthink
Groupthink and its effects can be combatted through critical thinking strategies including:
When does groupthink occur?
Groupthink occurs normally when there a strong sense of “we” in the group. In such a case people want to be on good terms with their group no matter what the cost. They try to maintain the harmony of the group and sacrifice individual critical thinking for groupthink.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
What Is Groupthink?
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 groupthink in organizations?
Some organizations have no clear rules upon which to make decisions. Groupthink occurs when a party ignores logical alternatives and makes irrational decisions.
Why is groupthink important in business?
In a business setting, groupthink can cause employees and supervisors to overlook potential problems in the pursuit of consensus thinking. Because individual critical thinking is de-emphasized or frowned upon, employees may self-censor and not suggest alternatives for fear of upsetting the status quo.
What is groupthink in psychology?
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 events were groupthink failures?
Other events that may be possible groupthink-involved failures include the Bay of Pigs invasion, Watergate, and the escalation of the Vietnam War.
Who coined the term "groupthink"?
A Brief History of the Groupthink Concept. Yale University social psychologist Irving Janis coined the term groupthink in 1972. Janis theorized that groups of intelligent people sometimes make the worst possible decisions based on several factors.
Is groupthink bad?
In the best cases, it allows a group to make decisions, complete tasks, and finish projects quickly and efficiently. In the worst cases, it leads to poor decision-making and inefficient problem-solving .
Overview
When Are Groups at Risk of Groupthink?
- Groups may be more likely to experience groupthink when particular conditions are met. In particular, highly cohesive groups may be at higher risk. For example, if the group members are close to each other (if they’re friends in addition to having a working relationship, for instance) they may be hesitant to speak up and question their fellow group members’ ideas. Groupthink is …
Characteristics of Groupthink
- When groups are highly cohesive, don’t seek outside perspectives, and are working in high-stress situations, they can be at risk for experiencing characteristics of groupthink. In situations such as these, a variety of processes occurs which inhibit the free discussion of ideas and cause members to go along with the group instead of voicing dissent. 1. Seeing the group as infallible. …
Example
- To get an idea of how groupthink might work in practice, imagine you’re part of a company that is trying to develop a new advertising campaign for a consumer product. The rest of your team seems excited about the campaign but you have some concerns. However, you’re reluctant to speak up because you like your coworkers and don’t want to publicly embarrass them by questio…
Historical Examples
- One famous example of groupthink was the United States’ decision to launch an attack against Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in 1961. The attack was ultimately unsuccessful, and Janis found that many characteristics of groupthink were present among the key decision-makers. Other examples Janis examined included the United States not preparing for a potential attack on Pearl Harbor a…
Avoiding Groupthink
- Although groupthink can hinder the ability of groups to make effective decisions, Janis suggested that there are several strategies that groups could use to avoid falling victim to groupthink. One involves encouraging group members to voice their opinions and to question the group’s thinking on an issue. Similarly, one person can be asked to be a “devil’s advocate” and point out potential …
Sources
- Forsyth, Donelson R. Group Dynamics. 4th ed., Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. https://books.google.com/books?id=jXTa7Tbkpf4C
- Janis, Irving L. “Groupthink.” Leadership: Understanding the Dynamics of Power and Influence in Organizations, edited by Robert P. Vecchio. 2nd ed., University of Notre Dame Press, 2007, pp. 157-16...
Causes
- Lack of diversity in groups: Groups that have members who are very similar to one another can be a cause of groupthink. With a lack of diverse perspectives, the group fails to consider outside pers...
- Lack of impartial leadership: Groups with particularly powerful leaders who fail to seriously consider perspectives other than their own are prone to groupthink as well. These leaders ca…
- Lack of diversity in groups: Groups that have members who are very similar to one another can be a cause of groupthink. With a lack of diverse perspectives, the group fails to consider outside pers...
- Lack of impartial leadership: Groups with particularly powerful leaders who fail to seriously consider perspectives other than their own are prone to groupthink as well. These leaders can overpower...
- Stress: Placing a decision-making group under stress in scenarios such as one where there are moral dilemmas can increase the chances of groupthink occurring. These groups may try to reach a consen...
- Time constraints: Related to stress, placing time constraints on a decision being made can in…
Signs
- In Janis’s first book, he cited eight symptoms of groupthink to look out for in order to avoid the phenomena from occurring (Janis, 1972). 1. Invulnerability: When groups begin to believe their decisions and actions are untouchable or that the group is invincible, they ignore warnings or signs of danger that run contrary to their consensus. 2. Rati...
Negative Impacts
- Poor decisions: Potentially the largest overall impact groupthink can have on decision-making groups is that they are more prone to making poor decisions. The effects of groupthink can be especiall...
- Self-censorship: Individuals within the group affected by groupthink may not be as effective as possible when helping make decisions because they may hold back their potentially helpful o…
- Poor decisions: Potentially the largest overall impact groupthink can have on decision-making groups is that they are more prone to making poor decisions. The effects of groupthink can be especiall...
- Self-censorship: Individuals within the group affected by groupthink may not be as effective as possible when helping make decisions because they may hold back their potentially helpful opinions i...
- Inefficient problem solving: Because groups who experience the effects of groupthink fail to consider alternative perspectives, they can sometimes fail to consider ways to solve problems that devia...
- Harmful stereotypes can develop: Groups may begin to believe that their group is inherently …
Can Groupthink Ever Be A Good Thing?
- Groupthink is generally considered a negative phenomenon. Groups generally can benefit from hearing a diverse set of perspectives and information and failing to do so can result in suboptimal decisions being made. However, it is true that groups who engage in groupthink can make decisions quickly (although they may not be the best decision possible). Also, anxiety can be red…
Groupthink in Real-Life Scenarios
- The social and political consequences of groupthink may be far-reaching, and history has many examples of major blunders that have been the result of decisions reached in this way. Many case scenarios have been analyzed such as the Invasion of Iraq (Badie, 2010; Psychology Today Editors, 2021), the attempt to rescue the American prisoners the Vietnam war in the Son Tay rai…
Opposition to The Theory
- Despite a lot of support for the theory over the years, it has received some pushback as well. Sally Fuller and Ramon Aldag argue that being in a cohesive group has been proven to be effective (Aldag & Fuller, 1993; Fuller S.R. & Aldag R.J., 1998). They also argue that Janis’s theory is not empirically supported and can be inconsistent. Robert Baron reflects on the many years of resea…
How to Avoid Groupthink
- To avoid groupthink, leaders and group members alike can take a variety of steps to help prevent the phenomenon from occurring. Some potential solutions are below. 1. Leaders or impactful group members should create a safe space for discussion. They should be open to opposition to the group consensus, accept criticism, and encourage new ideas regardless of a person’s statu…