Groupthink

Groupthink

Def = is the tendency for groups to reach a consensus prematurely because the desire for harmony overrides the process of critical thinking and the search for the best decision.
As introduced by Irving Janis 1982 in his many academic writings


A question comes to mind:
Is maintaining cohesion more important than developing good ideas?


Groupthink has its beginning when a close group becomes somewhat isolated. The leader(s) then become more controlling. The leader controls the discussion in order to promote his or her own preference.

What are the symptoms?
Illusion of invulnerability = the members believe they can do no wrong. This is usually followed by “mindguards” which are individuals who take it upon themselves to censor dissenters.
Members eventually censor their own behavior. This gives the appearance of little to no disagreement.
With no dissention the group then believes they have the moral high ground.
The group is also lulled into a false unanimity.
The group then begins to denigrate those remaining within the group who do not just “go along to get along.”

What are the consequences?
Generally only discusses one or two ideas.
Fails to look for all possible solutions.
Commits the mistake of not assessing all the risks.
Avoids discussing the downside of the chosen idea.
Never developing any contingency plans in case the idea fails.

I would offer a few ways to prevent this situation:
Promote open inquiry and skepticism.
Possibly appoint someone to research the downside.
Invite open debate when possible.
If plausible alternatives are offered, assign them to smaller groups to study.
Once a decision is made, come back to the table after a time of reflection and if it still remains solid, move forward.
The leader should refrain from offering an opinion to make sure other options have a chance to come to the surface.
Research, Research, Research!

Just a project I am working on. Maybe the formal paper will be written soon. Only time will tell.

Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur
"The world desires to be deceived; therefore it is."
Petronius