Chapter 8 – Groups Part 2: March 22, 2012

Groupthink Janis’ 1972 research – analyzed historical group decisions –Pearl Harbor, Bay of Pigs Recent examples? Groupthink – tendency of groups to repress dissenting opinions in favor of group harmony and cohesion.

Symptoms of Groupthink 1. Illusion of Invulnerability 2. Belief in Group’s Moral Superiority Symptoms 1 & 2 combine  3. Rationalization 4. Stereotypes of Opponents Symptoms 3 & 4 combine 

5. Pressure to Conform – 6. Self-Censoring – 7. Illusion of Unanimity – 8. Mindguarding –

Reducing Groupthink Solutions focused on leadership – Solutions focused on decision making – Solutions focused on group members -

Conflict in Groups Groups w/mixed motives can create social dilemmas –If everyone chooses self-interest  worst outcome –Studied in lab using conflict games - Prisoner’s Dilemma as example (see Fig 8.9) How does it work? Results?

Resource Dilemmas as example –Commons example – How does it work? Results? Both are considered ‘non-zero sum games’ Solutions: –Groups vs. individuals: –Value orientation:

Conflict Management Strategies Options involve use of a 3 rd party and extent of their power –Bargaining – –Mediation – –How do they differ? –Distinguish betw win-win and win-lose orientations:

Arbitration as alternative –Differs from mediation – how? –Differences betw conventional and final-offer arbitration: –Effects of arbitration on long-term outcomes?