Groupthink When group members striving for agreement (norm for unanimity), fail to realistically appraise alternative courses of action A means for a group to protect its positive image (extremely high in cohesion)

Groupthink video Identify factors that may lead to groupthink Identify “symptoms” of groupthink Identify methods to minimize groupthink

Antecedents of Groupthink Factors that may lead to groupthink High levels of cohesion Stressful decision-making context External pressure Tight budgets Recent failures

Symptoms of Groupthink Illusion of unanimity (false consensus) Silence implies agreement “I’m not going to call for a vote, I think we are all in agreement here” “We’ve decided..” Challenger example Self-censorship Not speaking up (feeling of tension caused by pressure to be silent & internally wanting to speak up) “I had a few objections, but since everybody seems committed, I won’t bring them up.”

Symptoms of Groupthink (cont) Illusion of invulnerability & Rationalization “Our strategy has worked in the past, odds are it will again” “We are the best military in the world, what do we have to worry about” Mindguards “No need for you to be at the meeting; I’ll summarize your concerns for the board”

Ways to Minimize Groupthink Avoid isolating the group Bring in outside experts JFK example Critical evaluators / Devil’s advocate Role is to question assumptions and uncontested information Open climate Leader invites and accepts divergent thinking Avoid being directive Strong leaders speak last or sometimes not at all